Dobong-gu Pushes for the Introduction of 'Wearable Robots' for Environmental Officials

Seoul's Dobong-gu is promoting the introduction of 'wearable robots' to enhance the work convenience of environmental officials responsible for high labor intensity tasks such as street cleaning and large waste collection.

On the 15th of last month, Dobong-gu announced the initiative to introduce 'wearable robots' for the efficiency of environmental cleaning tasks and the welfare of workers.

These devices assist the wearer's strength by analyzing their walking pattern in real-time, reducing the strain on the waist, knees, and lower body.

According to Dobong-gu, this device can reduce the load by approximately 12 kg when walking on flat ground while carrying a 20 kg backpack.

On the 14th of last month, Dobong-gu held a demonstration of the 'wearable robot' at the district office square. At the event, Mayor Oh Won-seok of Dobong-gu wore the robot alongside environmental officials to personally experience its performance.

Environmental official A, who participated in the event, stated, "I think it will be very helpful on the job" and evaluated that "work efficiency will significantly improve."

Currently, Dobong-gu has allocated approximately 16 million won in the first supplementary budget for the introduction of 'wearable robots', and if the supplementary budget is approved, plans to purchase an additional four walking assist robots and four waist support robots.

The purchased robots are expected to be prioritized for environmental officials in charge of street cleaning and large waste. A satisfaction survey conducted with early users will determine whether to expand the distribution of 'wearable robots'.

Mayor Oh Won-seok of Dobong-gu stated, "We expedited the introduction of 'wearable robots' for environmental officials suffering from knee or back injuries due to long hours of work."

He added, "We will continue to provide necessary support for environmental officials who work hard toward creating a pleasant environment in the region."

Image source: Environmental officials wearing 'wearable robots' while moving a bed mattress to a vehicle / Photo provided by Dobong-gu, Mayor Oh Won-seok wearing a 'wearable robot' while transferring trash to the garbage truck / Photo provided by Dobong-gu.