Hello, this is CLEVI. 🤖
On 7 November, we took part in the Citizens’ Day event held in the square outside Chuncheon City Hall with our humanoid robot.
We’d like to share some of the fun and moving moments we experienced while running the booth. 😊
Once we had set up the booth and positioned the robot, passers-by were already looking at it and saying, "What’s that?"
We could feel everyone’s attention drawn to it even before the demonstration had started!
"Does it really move?"
Once the event began, we started the demonstration in earnest.
The moment I put on the control equipment and raised my hand, the robot raised its hand in exactly the same way!
"Oh? It really moves?!"
From then on, people began gathering one by one.
I was a little worried about explaining teleoperation technology.
I was concerned that people might find it difficult to understand because of the technical terminology. So I explained it as simply as possible.
"This robot follows my movements. It learns my movements in real time and reproduces them exactly!"
I felt really proud seeing the children watching the demonstration clap and say, "Wow!", while their parents marvelled and took photos. It made me think, ‘This is why I do this work!’
"So this is Physical AI!"
That’s right! You understood it exactly. I was excited that my explanation had got through, so I went on to explain it in more detail.
"This technology is really useful in dangerous work environments. Robots can be deployed instead of people in places such as radioactive areas or fire scenes. They can carry out dangerous tasks while being operated remotely by people from a safe location."
Everyone was amazed by the handshake function!
The most popular feature during the demonstration was the AI-powered object-recognition handshake function.
"We fine-tuned an LLM (large language model) and equipped the robot with it as on-device AI. You can think of it as having a small AI brain inside the robot!"
"If this is used in factories, won’t it take people’s jobs?"
"I understand why you’re concerned. However, the purpose of this technology is not to take people’s jobs, but to carry out tasks that are difficult and dangerous for people. Our goal is to reduce the burden on workers and improve safety."
Sharing our vision for the future
During the demonstrations, we also talked about the future technologies we are developing.
"We are developing robots that can make decisions and act autonomously based on AI agents.
For example, instead of having to tell a robot, 'Stand the fallen chair upright', it can assess the situation itself and stand the chair up."
Other attractions at the event
While running our booth, we also took the opportunity to watch some of the other programmes:
AI Avatar Vision Proclamation Performance
The performance in which Mayor Yook Dong-han spoke with an AI avatar in a virtual space was truly impressive.
It was directed by artist Pioni, and the moment when reality and the virtual world came together was quite moving.
It was a stage that symbolically conveyed Chuncheon’s vision of becoming an AI city.
Other AI experience booths
There were also several AI experience booths next to ours, including voice-recognition AI conversation experiences and AI image generation. It was great to see citizens enjoying the opportunity to experience AI technology for themselves and finding it fascinating.
Performance programme
- D.N. Girls’ folk music performance: Their fresh, modern reinterpretation of traditional folk songs was wonderful
- Chuncheon Civic Symphony Orchestra performance: It was a magnificent performance that conveyed the elegance of classical music
- Solta performance by the traditional percussion group 'Taeguk': It was so grand that the sound of the drums echoed throughout the entire square
The finale, the Citizens’ Grand Choir, was truly... moving, with so many people singing together.
The significance of 'Chuncheon, a leading AI city'
The overall theme of the event was "Chuncheon, a leading AI city". I was impressed by Mayor Yook Dong-han’s emphasis that "AI must serve citizens".
Clevi is developing technology based on precisely that philosophy. Not technology for technology’s sake, but technology that helps people and improves their lives. I felt proud that the vision of Chuncheon City and our company’s direction seemed to align so perfectly.
I really want to support Chuncheon City’s plan to incorporate AI into every field, including public administration, education, welfare and transport!
Wrapping up the day
We met many citizens, and many of them showed interest in our robotics technology. Some asked for a business card, some proposed business ideas, and others asked, "Can we introduce something like this in our company too?"
But more than anything, what made me happy was seeing that many people felt anticipation rather than fear about the technology. I keep thinking about the moment when a child who had been afraid of robots waved with a smile.
What we felt
The importance of citizens’ voices
We heard a wide range of reactions first-hand, from concerns such as “Will jobs disappear?” to expectations like “Can we use this in our company too?” These voices seem to be the driving force behind our efforts to create better technology.
The importance of explaining things simply
No matter how good the technology is, it is of little use if it is difficult to understand. From now on, we need to think about how to explain technology in a simpler and more approachable way.
Technology is ultimately for people
The moment a child who was afraid of robots smiled and became friends with one, the moment a grandmother asked worriedly, “Do you eat properly?” ... Moments like these made us think once again about why we are developing this technology.
Looking ahead to the next time
The Chuncheon Citizens’ Day event was truly meaningful. Our entire Clevi team had a rewarding day.
If we have another opportunity like this, we would love to meet even more citizens with more advanced technology. Will we get to see the child who was afraid today shaking hands with a robot next time? 😊
To all the citizens of Chuncheon, thank you so much for visiting our booth. Your interest and encouragement are a great source of strength for us!