Ministry of Science and ICT Selects Three Projects for On-Device AI Service Demonstration and Expansion
Domestic AI semiconductors to be installed in various devices like CCTV, drones, and robots
A total of 8.55 billion won in government funding to initiate a two-year city-scale demonstration
[Seoul = NEWSIS] The Ministry of Science and ICT held a plaque unveiling ceremony at the Sejong Government Complex on the 10th. (Photo provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT) July 10, 2023. [email protected]
[Seoul = NEWSIS] Reporter Shim Ji-hye reports that the government is addressing social issues by enhancing capabilities to quickly confirm maritime accidents, predict wildfire paths, and check crime situations using domestically-produced AI semiconductors mounted on CCTV and drones.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 23rd that it has finalized the selection of three projects for the ‘On-Device AI Service Demonstration and Expansion’ initiative.
On-Device AI refers to the technology that deploys AI on devices using domestic AI semiconductors, functioning without the need for cloud connectivity. This offers high security for personal information, provides personalized services, and allows for low latency, playing a critical role in solving various social issues and enhancing daily conveniences such as disaster response and crime prevention.
Applied to CCTV and drones, it is expected to be effectively used in providing safety services that address real-life concerns, potentially mitigating damages from events like recent large wildfires.
To ensure citizens experience the benefits of urban improvement in the short-term, the Ministry of Science and ICT conducted a one-month public call from March 31 to promote the development of customized On-Device AI services reflecting local conditions and field demands, aiming to implement city-scale demonstrations.
The ministry plans to conduct city-scale demonstrations over two years, starting with 8.55 billion won in government funding for the three selected consortia this year.
Project details include the ‘Maritime City Busan-Specific On-Device AI Service Demonstration,’ which will utilize water robots and AI CCTV to develop and demonstrate real-time detection and response services, such as preventing oil spills and removing marine debris, thereby enhancing marine safety management in Busan.
The ‘Early Warning for Wildfires and Autonomous AI Safety Control On-Device Demonstration’ project involves using AI CCTV and drones to detect wildfires early and predict their spread in real-time, aiming to protect local residents and forests in Sangcheong County and Hadong County, Gyeongsangnam-do, and prevent damages from recent incidents.
The ‘Yeongju ON: A Safety and Improved City through On-Device’ project will utilize drones and AI CCTV to establish an integrated safety control system for real-time monitoring of crisis situations like crimes and falls, as well as environmental hazards such as wildfires and algal blooms, enhancing urban safety and environmental protection in Yeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
The Ministry of Science and ICT intends to connect the demonstration of On-Device AI services at the city level with regulatory sandboxes to ensure smooth project progression by preliminarily reviewing areas needing regulatory exceptions during service development and demonstration.
Park Tae-wan, Director of the ICT Industry Policy Division at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “Through this project, we expect On-Device AI implemented with domestic AI semiconductors to significantly improve urban safety,” adding, “We will continue to support the expansion of On-Device AI to more diverse fields, such as manufacturing and transportation, beyond urban safety, making daily life safer and more convenient for citizens.”