Currently, there is a high demand on disaster response robots which would replace or assist people in extremely disastrous situations. Korea Institute of Robotics & Technology Convergence (KIRO) has opened its new center, the Disaster Robotics Center (DRC) in October 2019. DRC serves as a test and validation center for disaster response robots.

DRC is on a site about 19,835㎡ and has outdoor field test-beds and various indoor facilities such as 3D printers and heat resistance test equipment. Researchers at DRC will develop disaster response robots and core components, and then test/validate their R&D products on-site. DRC will also support private companies by offering R&D spaces and technical assistance, and helping validation/certification of their products.

The opening of DRC will be a stepping stone for disaster response robotics industry in Korea. We will make every effort to have the center grow as a global center in disaster robotics in the near future.