Hanool Robotics Corp.(www.robotics.co.kr) was founded in 1998 based on over 20 years of experience gained in Daedeok Innoplois (formerly Daedeok Science Town) at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Hanool Robotics, which was first launched by Byung-Soo Kim as an institute start up, has since the company’s launching, been involved in the development of a wide variety of robots through the National Robot Development Project, URC project, and Robot Dissemination Project for Market Creation. They have over 40 patents issued and over 30 National Development Projects. The business is largely divided into home robots, public robots, and field robots.

▲ iCOMAR

Hanool Robotics was in the spotlight for being the first Korean company to offer a wide range of robot products. In 2001, the company collaborated with Samsung Electronics to make “iCOMAR,” which became the first home robot in Korea. Standing 60 cm and weighing 10 kg, “iCOMAR” comes equipped with a Pentium MMX 266 MHz CPU, a camera, a microphone and a human body sensor. It can move independently, recognize its family, and participate in simple conversations. Through an Internet command, not only will it monitor the inside of a house, but it also allows for video communication. In fact, “Ikid” can hold its own even compared to recent home robots.

▲Robot 'TIRO'

In 2002, the company also received national attention for being the first in Korea to make CBR (Chemical, Biological, and Radiological) reconnaissance robots used for National Defense. In 2004, for the first time in Korea, the company revealed their educational RD series. In 2007, they developed “TIRO,” the first humanoid information/guide robot in Korea, and in 2014, the company’s unique technology was on display when they developed the hybrid UFR robot for the first time in Korea. Displaying a talent for getting a head start, Hanool leapt into the cleaning robot industry during its incipiency and produced a brush-free product, which eliminates dust buildup.

▲Premium cleaning robot, “Ottoro

In 2006, the company launched the premium cleaning robot, “Ottoro,” and in 2011, the cleaning robot “Otto-S” was exported to the Czech Republic. They also supplied carpet cleaning robots to Bissell, an American company, on an OEM basis.

▲Bomb disposal robot

Hanool Robotics has been especially active in the field of defense robots. The company has been making deliveries of CBR reconnaissance robots and bomb disposal robots to the Ministry of National Defense, but this year, the company beat out world-class defense companies to sell two of their bomb disposal robots to Bangladesh, increasing their visibility abroad. Hanool is looking to promote additional sales of the bomb disposal robots to Bangladesh. In addition, Hanool Robotics jointly launched a field robot development project with a government affiliated research institute and increased their royalties income. By signing a contract with KACST, a national research institute, for a joint research and development project for a “security and fire fighting robot,” the company was successful in exporting $ 2.5 million in technology. Based on their success in Saudi Arabia, Hanool is working to export its robot products to other parts of the Arab world such as Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. The demand for defense robots in these areas is expected to expand in these regions. The company is also taking steps to open up markets such as fire fighting and disaster robots.

▲H-Bird

Hanool Robotics has recently proved to be worthy challengers in the field of flying robots (drones). Hanool Robotics developed the “H-Bird” an unmanned flying robot capable of precise control and long flight of the quadroptor. The drone is capable of flying for roughly 1 hour loaded with 1kg of goods. The motorized quadrotor is equipped with positioning control, rotation, and horizontal balance power, while the coaxial fan with engine does not require torque control power. According to the company, the product provides superior thrust during vertical takeoff and landing. The generator and a small battery pack make the lightweight aircraft structure possible, and energy efficiency is maximized by a hybrid structure. It has a box-like structure for easy transportation and storage. Hanool Robotics plans to supply this flying robot to the military, police stations, and fire stations for reconnaissance and surveillance activities.