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  Digital supermodel Shudu to collaborate with virtual social media influencer in S. Korea SEOUL -- Shudu, a digital supermodel created by a former British fashion photographer, will collaborate with Rozy, a virtual social media influencer in South Korea. An image showing them together was released on Rozy's Instagram account, heralding their joint work. Sidus Studio X, a virtual influencer business subsidiary of Locus, a major content creator in South Korea, said on January 25 that Rozy and Shudu would work together for their first collaborati 2021-01-25
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  Hyundai tests autonomous robot assistant in Seoul showroom SEOUL -- South Korea's Hyundai auto group has deployed an autonomous four-wheeled robot at a showroom in Seoul for a one-month test to see if it can be used for customer services. The robot will guide visitors, evade obstacles and show information about cars on the showroom's large displays. Hyundai said in a statement on January 25 that the robot named "DAL-e" was introduced as part of a non-face-to-face marketing approach. It ca 2021-01-25
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  KT unveils app for collecting COVID-19 research data SEOUL -- KT, a top telecom company in South Korea, has unveiled an app for collecting research data that is needed for the development of a prediction model on infectious diseases such as COVID-19 by using mobile communication data, artificial intelligence and information and communications technology. The app called "Study of Health Information for Next Epidemic (SHINE)" has been developed as part of a joint research project financed by the Bill & Me 2021-01-25
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  Sampyo adopts full smart factory system for construction material production SEOUL -- South Korea's leading construction material manufacturer Sampyo Group has upgraded its manufacturing process by adopting a full smart factory system that will kick into operation in late January to help workers easily and safely manage facilities. A smart factory system is an effective digital transformation method that enhances work efficiency and reduces operating costs. Sampyo Group said in a statement on January 20 that the company has adop 2021-01-21
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  State researchers develop heavy-duty rescue machine equipped with robot arms SEOUL -- A state research institute has developed a heavy-duty rescue machine equipped with a pair of robot arms that can lift objects of up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds) and easily cut down steel bars. The machine can be deployed to disaster sites struck by an earthquake or a hurricane to search and rescue survivors trapped under debris. The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) said in a statement on January 20 that it has joined hands with Hanyang 2021-01-20
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  Hyundai Pharm partners with AI-based drug development company SEOUL -- South Korea's medicine maker Hyundai Pharma has forged a partnership with an artificial intelligence-based drug development company, to jointly research and develop new innovative medicines. AI-based drug development does not require many human researchers and can save time and costs. Hyundai Pharm said in a statement on January 20 that it has signed a cooperation agreement with Pharminogen, an AI-based biopharmaceutical company. Pharminogen uses AI 2021-01-20
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  S. Korea to develop technologies for efficient recycling of discarded batteries SEOUL -- Through a four-year project, South Korea will develop technologies including battery management systems to efficiently recycle discarded batteries and reduce waste containing heavy metal. Because the lifespan of batteries that are used in electric vehicles is about 10 years, the government predicts that about 67,200 EV batteries will be discarded annually in 2030. The number will skyrocket to 2,450,000 in 2040. State data showed that discarded batteries 2021-01-18
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  Samsung to release Galaxy SmartTag tracker for keys and pets SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics will release a novel tracker to help users easily locate lost keys, pets, or any other objects using smartphones. The guitar pick-sized device will beep when it loses Bluetooth connection with its host. Samsung Electronics said in a statement uploaded onto its news blog that it will release "Galaxy SmartTag" on January 19. Using Bluetooth low energy technology, the smart tracker can be attached to non-connected 2021-01-18
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  Samsung showcases new Galaxy S21 smartphone models SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics has unveiled three new models of its iconic flagship smartphone series that offer an upgraded processor, cameras, and artificial intelligence features than previous models. The new phones will hit the global market in late January. Three models -- Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra -- were unveiled during Samsung's online showcase event on January 15. S21, the standard version, comes with a 6.2-inch display 2021-01-15
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  Southern city launches joint research project to develop heavy-duty flying taxi drone SEOUL -- A southern city in South Korea has embarked on a joint research project to develop and commercialize a heavy-duty drone that is capable of lifting some 200 kilograms (440 pounds). The drone can be used in many sectors such as urban aerial mobility, military, logistics, and monitoring. Gwangju some 270 kilometers (167 miles) south of Seoul said in a statement on January 14 that the city has signed cooperation agreements with South Korean defense contractor 2021-01-14
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  Coastguard establishes new dedicated department for operation of drones SEOUL -- To nurture skilled drone operators and manage unmanned aerial vehicles, South Korea's coastguard has established a dedicated department for the operation and management of drones. The department would also play a vital role in the standardization and deployment of drones for administrative purposes. Coast Guard said in a statement on January 14 that a new department has been set up to help law enforcers professionally operate drones and u 2021-01-14
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  Seoul district adopts AI-based recycling robot to sort cans and plastic bottles SEOUL -- A southern Seoul district has adopted an artificial intelligence-based recycling robot that is capable of sorting cans and plastic bottles from the garbage. The robot was designed to increase the district's recycling rate. In South Korea, recyclable materials are normally sorted by categories such as plastic, metal and paper before being thrown out of homes and offices. However, they get easily mixed up when cleaners pick up recyclable gar 2021-01-14
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  [CES 2021] AI-based healthcare solution developed by S. Korean startup wins CES innovation award SEOUL -- A virtual eyesight healthcare solution developed by a South Korean startup won an innovation award at this year's Consumer Electronics Show that is being held online. The prestigious electronics exhibition went fully online this year with no offline events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The online show will end on January 14. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said in a statement on January 13 that "Virtual Reality Ophthal Room Eye Doctor" (VR 2021-01-13
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  [CES 2021] Mando introduces future vehicle solutions for maximized driving experience SEOUL -- Mando, an auto parts maker affiliated with South Koreas Halla Group, has showcased the company's future vehicle solutions that are focused on providing the feeling of freedom for the driver and passengers. The online showcase took place as part of the Consumer Electronics Show. Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's biggest electronics exhibition, went fully online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. About 2,000 companies opened vi 2021-01-13
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  [CES 2021] ​Samsung unveils new powerful mobile application processor chip SEOUL -- At its online keynote session at Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung Electronics has unveiled a new processor chip for mobile devices. Samsung's first premium 5G-integrated processor chip would power the company's flagship Galaxy smartphones. "Today we are delighted to introduce the Exynos 2100, our most advanced mobile processor yet. Armed with powerful processing technologies and an advanced 5G modem on a power-efficient 2021-01-13
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  ​[CES 2021] CES participants take different approach to business meetings using non-face-to-face methods SEOUL -- This year's Consumer Electronics Show, the world's largest annual electronics exhibition, took an innovative approach in selecting its event venue by going fully online. Consumer Technology Association, the host of the show, made the decision due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 2,000 companies will operate virtual showrooms to attract online visitors until January 14. Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that was held in Las Vegas has trad 2021-01-12
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  [CES 2021] Samsung introduces housekeeper robots at CES 2021 SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics has introduced three kinds of autonomous housekeeping robots that will sweep the floor, put dishes into a dishwasher and assist its human master by managing schedules, through an online showcase event at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. Unlike previous years where thousands of companies gathered in Las Vegas to host keynote sessions and showcases for visitors that came from all over the world, this year's Co 2021-01-12
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  [CES 2021] LG introduces virtual human 'Reah Keem' at CES 2021 SEOUL -- A lady in her 20s, wearing a pink hoodie with the slogan "Stay Punk Forever", appeared during LG Electronics' online Consumer Electronics Show keynote event on January 11. Speaking in English, "Reah Keem" introduced herself as a songwriter and DJ. Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which was annually held in Las Vegas, went online in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 2,000 companies including AI and internet of thin 2021-01-12
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  [CES 2021] Samsung hints at new collaboration with K-pop wonder BTS SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics has hinted at a new collaboration work with K-pop wonder BTS. Previously, the South Korean tech giant had worked with the seven-member band to release a BTS-themed special edition smartphone in 2020. "Exciting news! We’re delighted to share Samsung is further strengthening its partnership with BTS in 2021 to provide unique mobile experiences set to make your everyday epic," Samsung said in a statement uplo 2021-01-11
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  [CES 2021] Some 120 S. Korean startups to participate in CES 2021 SEOUL -- About 120 South Korean startups will participate in this year's Consumer Electronics Show that will be held as a virtual event from January 11 to 14. The ventures and startups specialize in healthcare, 5G communication, internet of things, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Consumer Electronics Show (CES), an annual electronics exhibition that was prominently held in Las Vegas, will attract online visitors through virtual showrooms operated by some 1,00 2021-01-11