Jin Kyo-hoon: 'AI Must Touch People's Lives'

Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon said Saturday that "AI is advancing at a rapid pace, but the technology must ultimately be directed toward people."

Jin made the remarks at the Human-Care AI Robot Competition held at COEX Magok, calling for "human-centered AI that eases inconveniences in daily life, builds a stronger safety net and embraces the marginalized."

He added that students had prepared for the competition by training six hours a day even on weekends, honing their skills and knowledge. "I hope this competition has served as an opportunity for students to strengthen their AI capabilities," he said.

The district organized the event together with robotics specialist Robotis to help nurture the core future competencies of local youth.

The competition drew 100 students from local elementary, middle and high schools, competing in 43 teams divided by age group.

Elementary school students took part in a robot-control challenge in which they maneuvered robots to sort recyclable waste to designated locations. Middle and high school students competed in a project-based format in which they planned, built and demonstrated their own robots.

Middle schoolers tackled the theme of "neighborhood-tailored robots for a safe residential environment," while high schoolers competed under the theme of "AI robots to help the marginalized."

Judges selected 19 teams — comprising 44 students — for awards, including three grand prizes, four gold, five silver and seven bronze. The grand prize winners were Airport Wings from the elementary division, Pixel from the middle school division and Botpamin from the high school division.