신명진 / AVING
2026년 1월 27일
-Enhancing Underwater Search and Operations with Diver Robot “ROBSTER”… A Dual-Arm Humanoid Concept That Goes Beyond Detection to Actual Resolution
-Advancing Inspections of Nuclear Power Plants and Underground Infrastructure with Pipeline Robot “PYPER”… Proposing KPI-Based Robotics Budgeting for Local Governments and Public Agencies
Kalman emphasized that the policy impact of deploying robots should not be limited to improvements in safety alone. In underwater accident scenarios where environmental constraints such as water temperature, visibility, and accessibility are severe, robots can be deployed first to identify risk factors. This approach reduces overall risk and enables faster, more informed decision-making, even when human personnel are subsequently deployed.
The company also identified public-sector demand—particularly from organizations such as the Coast Guard and Navy—as a key market. Kim addressed not only physical safety concerns but also the psychological burden and trauma experienced by personnel during underwater accident response operations. Referring to the reality that humans are repeatedly exposed to extremely distressing situations, such as body recovery after extended periods of time, he stated that “tasks that can be replaced by robots should be replaced.”
At the core of Kalman’s policy proposal was a shift in adoption logic. Rather than viewing robots merely as equipment with a price tag, Kim argued that government agencies and local authorities should allocate budgets based on KPIs derived from the outcomes enabled by robotic deployment. Examples include the proportion of hazardous tasks replaced, reductions in on-site response time, expansion of accident prevention and inspection coverage, improved worker safety through reduced exposure, and mitigation of psychological burden—impact factors that are difficult to quantify in monetary terms but should be institutionally recognized and used as the basis for systematizing robot operations.
Kim concluded by stating, “Robots should not be designed to completely replace humans, but to reduce risks and limitations while enabling tasks that were previously impossible.” He wrapped up the presentation by outlining practical strategies for deploying public disaster and safety robots, centered on Kalman’s underwater robot ROBSTER and pipeline inspection robot PYPER.
Meanwhile, the CES 2026 Real Review: Policy Proposal Conference was established as a platform where startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises participating in CES 2026 present their innovative technologies and products as concrete solutions applicable to national and local government policy challenges. The content generated through the conference is expected to serve as credible reference material for policymakers and decision-makers, while also becoming a core asset that enhances corporate value and reputation.