As the construction industry downturn prolongs, the elevator industry is turning to maintenance businesses utilizing robot delivery and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Currently, robot delivery, which is used in office spaces on a trial basis, is expected to expand to residential spaces in the future.

According to global market research firm Fortune Business Insights on the 13th, the global robot delivery market, which was valued at $400 million (approximately 588.7 billion won) last year, is expected to grow to $520 million (approximately 765.3 billion won) this year, and to $3.949 billion (approximately 5.8782 trillion won) by 2032. In South Korea, Hyundai Motor Group has launched 'DILLI,' and Baedal Minjok has also entered the robot delivery business.

In July last year, a delivery robot named Newbie, developed by the startup Newbility, is delivering coffee to the CEO's office on the 2nd floor at Hyundai Elevator's headquarters in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do. /Courtesy of Hyundai Elevator
In July last year, a delivery robot named Newbie, developed by the startup Newbility, is delivering coffee to the CEO's office on the 2nd floor at Hyundai Elevator's headquarters in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do. /Courtesy of Hyundai Elevator

The activity range of robot delivery is becoming increasingly important, as utility is limited if it only moves within one floor. In the domestic elevator industry, Hyundai Elevator has entered the market early by developing technology for linking delivery robots and elevators since 2019.

Initially, a specific device had to be installed for the robot and elevator to be linked, but Hyundai Elevator first applied a system in its products in 2021 that utilizes an open API (Open Application Programming Interface) to allow any manufacturer's robot to be linked to the elevator as long as the communication protocol is compatible.

After four years of testing and evaluation, the elevator was adjusted to control door opening and closing based on the boarding and alighting of robots and to manage the height differences between the elevator and the ground. It also controls the operation to prevent robots from using different elevators.

The delivery robot used at Hyundai Elevator's headquarters. /Courtesy of Hyundai Elevator
The delivery robot used at Hyundai Elevator's headquarters. /Courtesy of Hyundai Elevator

Elevators equipped with this technology are currently in use at over 20 locations domestically, including hospitals, hotels, banks, and corporations. There are over 40 robots linked with the elevators. In one hospital, a medical service robot uses the elevator to transport blood and specimens. Even if the manufacturer of the linked robot is different, all can be integrated with Hyundai Elevator products.

Hyundai Elevator plans to expand its robot integration services along with 'MIRI.' MIRI is an elevator maintenance service integrated with the Internet of Things, AI, and cloud technologies. It provides real-time updates on operating status and information about maintenance cycles and abnormalities. Hyundai Elevator noted that utilizing MIRI service reduces downtime due to malfunctions by about 43%. It can also detect unusual signals from passengers, such as sudden noise or cessation of physical activity.

The maintenance service is a lucrative revenue source. Last year, Hyundai Elevator's sales in the installation and maintenance service sector amounted to 593.7 billion won, with an operating profit of 89.2 billion won. This was higher than the operating profit in the goods handling equipment manufacturing sector (sales of 1.7204 trillion won and operating profit of 85.7 billion won), which includes elevator production. Hyundai Elevator aims to expand the robot integration service into residential spaces such as apartments.