Age of Human-Robot Coexistence... Yangju Mayor Jung Deok-young Prioritizes "Pedestrian Rights for Traffic-Vulnerable Groups"

On December 12, Sejong University's Korean Space Syntax Research Institute held a policy seminar on "The Advent of the PA (Physical AI) Era and Pedestrian Rights" at Conference Room 6 in the National Assembly Members' Hall.

The seminar was organized to explore institutional and policy responses for securing pedestrian rights in a new environment where people and robots share pedestrian spaces, as Physical AI technologies such as autonomous mobile robots and humanoids are rapidly spreading into daily life.

About 30 participants attended the seminar, including Professor Young-wook Kim from Sejong University's Korean Space Syntax Research Institute and academic and policy experts. Yangju City emphasized the creation of a safe, human-centered future pedestrian environment.

Mayor Jung Deok-young of Yangju City delivered a congratulatory address stating, "The expansion of Physical AI technology presents a new challenge on how people and robots can safely and harmoniously use pedestrian spaces," and stressed that "from the development and planning stages of urban infrastructure, pedestrian spaces must prioritize human safety, mobility rights, and in particular, the pedestrian rights of traffic-vulnerable groups including children, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities."

At the seminar, Professor Dong-wook Son of Yonsei University presented on "The Necessity of Institutionalizing Pedestrian Environment Assessment and Directions for System Improvement," and Professor Sang-jin Oh of Sejong University presented on "Protecting Pedestrian Rights in the Physical AI Era."

Yangju City plans to actively reflect the various opinions and policy alternatives discussed at this seminar in future municipal administration and the establishment of future urban development plans.