Two Years Ahead of Original Plan
Self-driving robots will be allowed to move on general sidewalks and crosswalks as early as next year.
The Office for Government Policy Coordination decided on Jan. 26 to revise laws related to self-driving robots' passage of sidewalks and crosswalks by 2023, two years ahead of the original plan.
To fundamentally resolve regulatory issues related to autonomous robots, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will revise the Intelligent Robot Act within 2022 to establish a robot management system, which will include a robot safety certification system. In addition, it will soften the conditions for regulatory sandbox within this year.
In Korea, autonomous robots are classified as cars under current law, which means their moves on sidewalks and crosswalks and their access to parks are prohibited in principle.
Experts say that existing regulations are hampering the development of the robot industry. They point out that Korea is slower than other countries in revising road traffic-related laws to allow robots to use sidewalks and crosswalks.