Hyundai Steel's four-legged robot recognized by World Steel Association

Hyundai Steel's quadruped robot, SPOT [HYUNDAI STEEL]

Hyundai Steel was recognized by the World Steel Association’s Safety and Health Excellence Recognition Program for assigning high-risk tasks to its quadruped robots (SPOT), according to the company Wednesday.

The four-legged robot can help minimize damage in an emergency and prevent workers from being exposed to harm by using its artificial intelligence technology to detect gas leaks or fires, the company said.

Hyundai Steel is currently testing remotely controlling the robot’s arms to open and close oxygen valves during explosion emergencies and for daily inspections. The robot will be immediately sent to accident sites in order to prevent any secondary damage or losses.

The steelmaker plans to further prevent damage and detect signs of danger by attaching smart gas sensors and cameras to the robot.

“We are putting safety as the highest priority and are applying various technologies on site,” Hyundai Steel said in a press release. “We will make more efforts to create a much safer working environment.”

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]