The spectrum of robots' abilities is like a wide rainbow made up of countless vibrant colors. This rainbow is stretching its way to a pot of gold, as exciting new robots are constantly being developed. Even people who are knowledgeable about robots wouldn't expect to see robots dancing in rhythm to the hot Korean pop song "Tell Me." This is just the scene that greeted attendees at the opening ceremony of Robot World 2008 at COEX on October 16. The robot industry has been chosen as one of the new growth engines by the government and is expected to develop at a rapid pace, starting from this year. Prominent players in the industry arrived at COEX eager to absorb the new developments offered by the industry.

The robot's stunning display did not disappoint. The opening ceremony featured humans and robots working together in harmony. It featured a variety of well-known robots, including the 'Hubo 2' of KAIST. It has become lighter and swifter than 'Hubo 1' and conducted the ceremony with ease. Taking the baton from 'Hubo 2', was the Maru-M of KIST, who bestowed bouquets on Lee Youn-ho, the president of MKE. Maru-M is programmed to recognize and pick up objects, and set down the colorful arrangements without trouble. Participants were stunned by the robots' seemingly magical abilities. The robot industry is working to bring together its varied parts, and is making large gatherings of industry elite an important part of this. Robot World was the third robotics exhibition held this year. It was composed of three main events - iRIS 2008 (International Robot Industry Show), IRC 2008 (International Robot Contest), KRC 2008 (Korea Robot Conference).

During iRIS 2008, over 90 companies participated and showed their products. During IRC 2008, 1,300 selected teams matched their skills against each other in the International Robot Contest. Also, approximately 2,400 international experts from 31 countries participated and presented their theses, compared to 750 pieces at KRC 2008. During iRIS 2008, a wide array of wonderful humanoid robots appeared in front of amazed attendees. 'Maru' of KIST puzzled participants by moving its hands freely while walking. 'KIBO' and 'H-Robot' of Center for Intelligent Robotics of MKE are also remarkable examples of the innovative things being done in this new growth industry. Most robots are designed to make people's lives easier, and this side of the industry was also on full display.

 

Robot companies are working towards a future where robots can perform tasks and exhibit characteristics normally thought of as the exclusive domain of humans. Soon enough, robots will be able to follow verbal instructions and have an opinion on what they are told to do. Chonnam University's robot laboratory showed a flower-like consumer electronic robot which reacts to the approach of light and sound with humidification and cleanliness. Pohang Institute of Intelligent Robotics discussed the possibility of a medical service robot that can measure temperature and blood pressure. dASAROBOT and Redone Technology came out with office cleaning robots. KITECH has developed a one-seater electronic car that can drive without human direction. Attendees left the ceremony with visions of colorful robots dancing in their heads.