The science of modern robotics started in the 1950s with the design of the first industrial robot by American inventor George Devol. Ever since, robotics has gone leaps and bounds, but now, the arrival of AI have given it a new impetus, and developments have seen an unprecedented acceleration, all part of what is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The recent inauguration of the Seoul Robot and AI Museum, or in short, Seoul RAIM, the first museum of its kind on the entire planet, is indicative of the significance of this nifty fusion, and here, visitors can marvel at the fast-evolving matter that’s shaping our future. Located in the Seoul RAIM is strategically positioned to connect researchers from nearby universities, research institutes, and corporations.
The museum offers a space for exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and educational programmes focused on robotics and AI. Designed by Istanbul-based Melike Altınışık Architects, the museum is housed in a futuristic sphere-like structure which resonates with the advanced technologies housed within. Unsurprisingly, this dialogue between contemporary architectural expression and technological innovation forms the foundation of the building’s design approach. That said, the venue also embeds smart technologies, from design and construction, through to operation. The construction process involved laser CNC machining and robot welding, ensuring minimal errors and high precision in the execution of the intricate spherical façade.
Seoul RAIM offers an immersive experience, and that starts right at the entrance where robots introduce the journey to visitors. The spacious ground floor sees a reception desk, ticket halls, café, and shop, A vertical exhibition tunnel, situated at the core of the building, leads visitors to the permanent and temporary exhibitions on the upper floors of the building. On the second floor, educational and administrative facilities can be found. The venue’s permanent exhibition, in which a string of universities and companies such as HD Hyundai Robotics, Intuitive Surgical Korea, Robotis and Volkswagen participate, presents robots which are being used or under research and development. © superfuture
Seoul RAIM
56 Madeul-ro 13-gil
01411 Seoul
Telephone +82 2 92043001
Tue-Sun 9.30am-7.30pm
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
