INTELLIGENT ROBOTS DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION PROMOTION ACT
Act No. 9014, Mar. 28, 2008
Amended by Act No. 9161, Dec. 19, 2008
Act No. 9763, jun. 9, 2009
Act No. 10221, Mar. 31, 2010
Act No. 10228, Apr. 5, 2010
Act No. 10272, Apr. 15, 2010
Act No. 10331, May 31, 2010
Act No. 10955, Jul. 25, 2011
Act No. 11236, Jan. 26, 2012
Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013
Act No. 12248, Jan. 14, 2014
Act No. 12241, Jan. 14, 2014
Act No. 13744, Jan. 6, 2016
Act No. 15645, jun. 12, 2018
Act No. 15869, Dec. 11, 2018
Act No. 16946, Feb. 4, 2020
Act No. 17171, Mar. 31, 2020
Act No. 17799, Dec. 29, 2020
Act No. 19412, May 16, 2023
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the quality of life of citizens and the national economy by establishing and promoting policies on the sustainable development of the intelligent robot industry to facilitate the development and distribution of intelligent robots and lay down the foundation therefor.
The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Jun. 12, 2018; May 16, 2023>
| 1. | The term "intelligent robot" means a mechanical device (including software required for operating the mechanical device) that perceives the external environment for itself, discerns circumstances, and moves voluntarily; |
| 2. | The term "charter on intelligent robot ethics" means a code of conduct established for persons involved in the development, manufacture, and use of intelligent robots in order to prevent various kinds of harmful or adverse effects, such as destruction of social order, that may arise from the development of functions and intelligence of intelligent robots, and to ensure that intelligent robots contribute to enhancing the quality of life of human beings; |
| 3. | Deleted; <May 16, 2023> |
| 4. | The term "robotland" means an area designated and developed pursuant to Article 30, in which facilities for the utilization of various kinds of intelligent robots and other auxiliary facilities are installed for the development and distribution of intelligent robots; |
| 4-2. | The term "outdoor mobile robot" means an intelligent robot that can be operated by autonomous driving (including remote control) for delivery, etc. |
| Article 3 (Responsibilities of the State and Local Governments) |
| (1) | The State and each local government shall build social infrastructure to ensure that intelligent robots can be developed and distributed in a way that enhances the safety and convenience of the people. <Amended on Jun. 12, 2018> |
| (2) | The State and each local government shall secure the budget necessary for facilitating the development and distribution of intelligent robots; and shall establish and implement comprehensive and effective policies therefor. <Amended on Jun. 12, 2018> |
| Article 4 (Relationship to Other Statutes) |
Except as otherwise provided in other statutes, the development and distribution of intelligent robots shall be governed by this Act.
CHAPTER II BASIC PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INTELLIGENT ROBOTS
| Article 5 (Establishment of Basic Plans) |
| (1) | The Government shall establish a basic plan every five years (hereinafter referred to as "basic plan") after deliberation and decision by the policy council for the robot industry prescribed in Article 5-2 (1) in order to achieve the purposes of this Act for the development and distribution of intelligent robots in an efficient manner. <Amended on Jun. 12, 2018> |
| (2) | Each basic plan shall include the following matters: |
| 1. | The basic direction of the development and distribution of intelligent robots; |
| 2. | Medium- and long-term goals of the development and distribution of intelligent robots; |
| 3. | Matters concerning the development of intelligent robots, the promotion of science related thereto, and the establishment of the foundation therefor; |
| 4. | Matters concerning the construction of infrastructure necessary for the development and distribution of intelligent robots; |
| 5. | Matters concerning the practice of the charter on intelligent robot ethics; |
| 6. | Matters concerning the direction of projects of central administrative agencies for intelligent robots; |
| 7. | Other matters necessary for the development and distribution of intelligent robots. |
| (3) | The head of a relevant central administrative agency shall annually establish and implement an implementation plan to develop and distribute intelligent robots and to establish the foundation therefor (hereinafter referred to as "implementation plan") within the scope of the affairs under his or her jurisdiction in conformity with the basic plan. |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the establishment and implementation of, and change to, basic plans and implementation plans shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 5-2 (Policy Council for Robot Industry) |
| (1) | In order to deliberate and decide on the following matters necessary for policies on development and distribution of intelligent robots, a policy council for the robot industry (hereafter referred to as the "policy council" in this Article) shall be established within the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 12, 2018> |
| 1. | Matters concerning formulation and promotion of basic plans and implementation plans for policies on the development and distribution of intelligent robots; |
| 2. | Matters concerning the inspection of implementation of basic plans and implementation plans of relevant central administrative agencies; |
| 3. | Matters concerning ways to finance the development and distribution of intelligent robots; |
| 4. | Matters concerning the charter on intelligent robot ethics; |
| 5. | Matters concerning recommendations for the heads of relevant central administrative agencies to improve the statutes or regulations and systems regarding the development and distribution of intelligent robots; |
| 6. | Matters requested by the heads of central administrative agencies regarding the development and distribution of intelligent robots; |
| 7. | Other matters presented to a meeting by the chairperson of the policy council. |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall be the chairperson of the committee, which shall be comprised of not more than 25 members including the chairperson. <Amended on Jun. 12, 2018> |
| (3) | The policy council shall establish a robot ethics advisory committee comprised of public officials of relevant central administrative agencies and those with extensive knowledge of and experience in relevant fields to investigate and study the charter on intelligent robot ethics, etc., and to collect opinions. <Newly Inserted on Jun. 12, 2018> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for organizing and operating the policy council other than those prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jun. 12, 2018> |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jul. 25, 2011]
[Title Amended on Jun. 12, 2018]
| Article 6 (Financial Support) |
| (1) | The Government shall endeavor to secure funds necessary for promoting basic plans and implementation plans effectively. |
| (2) | Any institution specified by Presidential Decree from among the following institutions related to the intelligent robot industry may provide contributions or loans or provide any other administrative support, as necessary, to a person who undertakes any project to develop and distribute intelligent robots or performs any program related thereto: |
| 2. | Any other institution a part of whose capital has been contributed by the Government. |
| Article 7 (Industrial Statistics and Fact-Finding Surveys) |
| (1) | The Government shall establish a system for the classification of the intelligent robot industry and secure industrial statistics in accordance with the classification system for the efficient development, distribution, and diffusion of technology for intelligent robots. In such cases, the Statistics Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the preparation of such industrial statistics. |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall conduct comprehensive fact-finding surveys on the intelligent robot industry every year in order to effectively establish and implement policies on the intelligent robot industry and secure industrial statistics under paragraph (1). <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (3) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may, if necessary for fact-finding surveys under paragraph (2), request any business entity, legal entity, or organization involved in intelligent robots to submit data or state his or her opinion. In such cases, the business entity, legal entity, or organization involved in intelligent robots shall, upon receipt of such request, comply therewith, unless any special ground exists to the contrary. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (4) | Matters regarding the scope of targets of the industrial statistics under paragraph (1) and the targets of fact-finding surveys under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 8 (Facilitation of International Cooperation) |
| (1) | The Government shall prepare policies to facilitate international cooperation with international organizations or foreign governments, enterprises, universities, research institutes, and any other institution and organization for the development and distribution of intelligent robots. |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may promote the following activities to facilitate international cooperation under paragraph (1): <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| 1. | Surveys and research for international cooperation; |
| 2. | International exchange of human resources and information; |
| 3. | Holding exhibitions and scientific conferences; |
| 5. | Overseas marketing activities, attraction of foreign investments, and public relations activities; |
| 6. | Invitation of foreign institutions or organizations related to international conferences to the Republic of Korea; |
| 7. | Other activities deemed necessary for the facilitation of international cooperation. |
| (3) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may provide administrative support, etc. to any enterprise, university, research institute, or any other institution or organization that conducts the business activities under paragraph (2), as necessary. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
CHAPTER III FACILITATION OF DISTRIBUTION OF INTELLIGENT ROBOTS
| Article 9 (Establishment of Policies to Support Intelligent Robots) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may establish necessary policies such as the ones for nurturing relevant experts and accelerating the development and commercialization of robot technologies to secure the quality of intelligent robots and to facilitate the distribution and dissemination of such robots. <Amended on Jun. 12, 2018> |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may provide support necessary for implementing the policies prescribed in paragraph (1). <Newly Inserted on Jun. 12, 2018> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jan. 6, 2016]
| Article 10 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 11 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 12 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 13 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 14 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 15 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 16 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 17 (Facilitation of Distribution of Intelligent Robots to Socially Disadvantaged People) |
The Government shall prepare measures necessary for facilitating the development and distribution of intelligent robots to improve convenience in using intelligent robots so that socially disadvantaged, such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, and low-income earners, can enjoy opportunities to use freely such robots and benefits therefrom.
| Article 18 (Enactment of Charter on Intelligent Robot Ethics) |
| (1) | The Government may enact and promulgate the charter on intelligent robot ethics (hereinafter referred to as the "Charter"), including the provisions prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as ethics by which the developers, manufacturers, and users of intelligent robots shall abide. |
| (2) | The Government shall prepare measures necessary for the distribution and dissemination of the Charter, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (3) | The head of a relevant central administrative agency may, if necessary for the efficient operation of the Charter, request the head of another central administrative agency to furnish him or her with relevant data or to cooperate with him or her in any other necessary matter. |
| (4) | The procedures for the enactment of and amendment to the Charter, the public relations activities for the Charter, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 19 (Public Relations Activities for Intelligent Robots) |
The State or each local government may request organizations related to intelligent robots to conduct public relations activities necessary for expanding the distribution of intelligent robots.
| Article 19-2 (Conducting of Intelligent Robot Damage Liability Business) |
| (1) | Any of the following persons may conduct business to cover damage caused to users by intelligent robots (hereinafter referred to as "damage liability business"): |
| (2) | A person who conducts damage liability business may request that an institution that certifies operational safety pursuant to Article 40-2 (hereinafter referred to as "certification institution") provide data on operational safety certification, if deemed necessary for business operations. In such cases, the certification institution shall comply with such request unless there is good cause. |
| (3) | The scope of coverage by damage liability business, the operation thereof, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 16, 2023]
| Article 20 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 21 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 22 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 23 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 24 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 25 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 26 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 27 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 28 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 29 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| Article 29-2 Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
CHAPTER V CREATION OF ROBOTLAND
| Article 30 (Designation as Area for Creation of Robotland) |
| (1) | An area for the creation of a robotland shall be designated by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy at the request of the competent Special Metropolitan City Mayor, Metropolitan City Mayor, Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Do Governor, or Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor), as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 26, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (2) | Before designating an area for the creation of a robotland pursuant to paragraph (1), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall consult with the heads of relevant central administrative agencies. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (3) | The cancellation of designation as an area for the creation of a robotland or any modification to its space shall be made in compliance with the procedures for designation as an area for the creation of a robotland. In such cases, the consultation under paragraph (2) may be omitted for any minor modification to space specified by Presidential Decree to such area. |
| (4) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall, when he or she designates an area, cancels such designation, or alters the area pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3), publicly notify thereof. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| Article 31 (Approval of Implementation Plan for Creation) |
| (1) | Any of the following persons may create a robotland in an area designated pursuant to Article 30 (1): <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| 1. | The competent Mayor/Do Governor; |
| 2. | A public agency specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. |
| (2) | Any person who intends to create a robotland pursuant to paragraph (1) shall prepare an implementation plan for creation, including the facilities specified by Presidential Decree therein, such as exhibition halls for robots, and shall obtain approval from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. In such cases, if any person whose implementation plan for creation has been approved (hereinafter referred to as "project implementer") intends to change such plan, he or she shall also obtain approval therefor from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, except for changing any minor matter specified in Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (3) | When the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy intends to approve an implementation plan for creation or any change to such plan pursuant to paragraph (2), he or she shall consult with the heads of relevant central administrative agencies. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (4) | When the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy approves an implementation plan for creation pursuant to paragraph (2), he or she shall publicly notify the plan without delay. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| Article 32 (Invalidation of Designation as Area for Creation of Robotland) |
| (1) | If no application for approval of an implementation plan for creation under Article 31 (2) is filed for an area designated and publicly notified as an area for the creation of a robotland pursuant to Article 30 within two years from the date of such public notification, the designation of the area for the creation of the robotland shall become invalid on the day immediately following the second anniversary of the date of such public notification. |
| (2) | If any project implementer fails to commence a project within two years from the date of approval and public notification of the relevant implementation plan for creation under Article 31 (4), the approval for the plan shall become invalid on the day immediately following the second anniversary of the date of approval for, and public notification of, the implementation plan. |
| (3) | If no application for approval of a new implementation plan for creation of an area for the creation of a robotland, a previous implementation plan for which became invalid pursuant to paragraph (2), is filed within two years from the day the approval for the previous implementation plan became invalid, the designation of the area for the creation of the robotland shall become invalid on the day immediately following the second anniversary of the date the approval for the previous implementation plan became invalid. |
| (4) | If no application for approval of a new implementation plan for creation is filed within one year from the date the cancellation of approval of an implementation plan for creation was publicly notified pursuant to Article 33 (2), the designation as an area for the creation of the robotland shall become invalid on the day immediately following the first anniversary of the date the cancellation of approval of the implementation plan was publicly notified. |
| (5) | If any designation or approval becomes invalid under paragraphs (1) through (4), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall publicly notify the fact without delay. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| Article 33 (Cancellation of Approval of Implementation Plan for Creation) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may, if any project implementer falls under any of the following subparagraphs, cancel approval of the relevant implementation plan for creation or order the person to take measures for improvement thereof: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| 1. | If the environment or beauty of landscape is likely to be significantly degraded by the suspension of the relevant project; |
| 2. | If the relevant project has been promoted inconsistently with the approved implementation plan for creation. |
| (2) | When the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy cancels approval pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall publicly notify the fact without delay. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| Article 34 (Subsidization of Creation Costs and Operating Expenses) |
The State or any local government may fully or partially subsidize necessary construction costs and operating expenses only for the public facilities specified by Presidential Decree in developing a robotland.
| Article 35 (Permission for Use of or Profiting from State or Public Property) |
| (1) | The State or any local government may, if deemed necessary for the creation and operation of a robotland, loan or sell any State-owned or public property to any project implementer or permit any project implementer to profit from such property under a negotiated contract, notwithstanding the State Property Act or the Public Property and Commodity Management Act. |
| Article 36 (Authorization or Permission Deemed Granted) |
| (1) | When any person who intends to carry out a project to implement an implementation plan for creation (hereinafter referred to as "development project") has obtained approval of an implementation plan under Article 31 (2), the following permission, authorization, designation, approval, consultation, and reporting (hereinafter referred to as "permission, etc.") shall be deemed to have been granted, made, given, or completed. And when an implementation plan for creation is publicly notified pursuant to Article 31 (4), permission, etc. under any of the following Acts shall be deemed to have been publicly notified or announced: <Amended on Jun. 9, 2009; Apr. 15, 2010; May 31, 2010; Jan. 14, 2014; Mar. 31, 2020> |
| 11. | Deleted; <Apr. 15, 2010> |
| (2) | Before granting approval of an implementation plan for creation or any change to such plan including any matter falling under any subparagraph of paragraph (1) pursuant to Article 31 (2), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall consult with the heads of relevant administrative agencies. In such cases, the heads of the relevant administrative agencies shall, upon receipt of a request for consultation, present their opinions within 30 days after receipt of such request. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (3) | When the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy approves an implementation plan for creation pursuant to Article 31, he or she shall notify the heads of relevant administrative agencies of the details thereof. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (4) | Where permission, etc. under any other statute is deemed to have been obtained pursuant to paragraph (1), fees and registration license taxes on licenses imposed in return for such permission, etc. shall be exempted pursuant to the relevant statutes or Ordinance of the Special Metropolitan City or the competent Metropolitan City, Special Self-Governing City, Do, or Special Self-Governing Province. <Amended on Mar. 31, 2010; Jan. 26, 2012> |
| Article 37 (Confirmation of Completion) |
| (1) | Each project implementer shall, upon completion of the development project, submit a completion report, without delay, to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy for confirmation of completion. In such cases, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may, upon receiving an application for the confirmation of completion, request the head of a relevant central administrative agency, the competent Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of any other specialized institution to conduct an inspection necessary to confirm completion. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (2) | Upon receiving an application for the confirmation of completion under paragraph (1), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall, if he or she deems that such construction has been implemented in compliance with the approved provisions after the confirmation of completion, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, issue a certificate of completion confirmation to the applicant and shall publicly notify it, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 11, 2018> |
| (3) | A project implementer shall be deemed to have obtained permission, etc. for the completion of the relevant project in accordance with the provisions concerning deemed authorization and permission under Article 36 when he or she receives the certificate of completion confirmation issued pursuant to paragraph (2). <Amended on Dec. 11, 2018> |
| (4) | No project implementer shall use any parcel of land or facility developed or installed as part of the development project before he or she receives the certificate of completion confirmation issued pursuant to paragraph (2): Provided, That this shall not apply where he or she filed a report on the use with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy or obtained permission for such use prior to completion of the construction, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 11, 2018> |
| (5) | Any project implementer may, if necessary for the efficient implementation of the development project, apply for confirmation of completion phase by phase or on a facility-by-facility basis within the scope of the relevant implementation plan for creation. |
| Article 38 (Expropriation or Use) |
| (1) | Any project implementer may, if necessary for the implementation of a development project for any public facility under Article 34, expropriate or use any parcel of land, goods, or rights specified in the following: |
| 1. | Rights except ownership of parcels of land; |
| 2. | Rights except ownership of standing trees, buildings, and other goods fixed or erected on the land; |
| 3. | Rights to the use of water; |
| 4. | Soil, rocks, sand, or gravel in the land. |
| Article 39 (Collection of Entrance Fees) |
Any project implementer or any person who erected a building or installed any other facility in a robotland may collect entrance fees from visitors to the robotland and may also collect admission fees or service charges from persons who sightsee or use the robotland.
| Article 40 (Management of Robotland) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may request any project implementer to take measures necessary for the smooth development, management, and operation of a robotland. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (2) | Any project implementer may, if necessary, entrust any person specified by Presidential Decree with the development, management, and operation of a robotland. |
CHAPTER V-2 OPERATIONAL SAFETY CERTIFICATION OF OUTDOOR MOBILITY ROBOTS
| Article 40-2 (Operational Safety Certification of Outdoor Mobile Robots) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may grant operational safety certification of outdoor mobile robots on a sidewalk, etc. defined in subparagraph 10 of Article 2 of the Road Traffic Act (hereinafter referred to as "safety certification"). |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may designate a certification institution to grant safety certification. |
| (3) | If a person who has obtained safety certification intends to modify safety-certified matters, he or she shall obtain certification for such modification, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: Provided, That this shall not apply where he or she intends to modify the matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy that are unrelated to the operational safety of the relevant outdoor mobile robot. |
| (4) | A person who has obtained safety certification may place a safety certification mark or publicize such fact, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (5) | No person, other than those who have obtained safety certification, shall place a safety certification mark or any other similar mark or publicize such safety certification. |
| (6) | Matters necessary for safety certification, such as the standards and procedures for such certification, and matters necessary for the standards and procedures for the designation of certification institutions, the revocation of such designation, etc. under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. |
| (7) | The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall conduct follow-up management of safety-certified matters, including investigations into the operation thereof, and if the Minister, presented with the findings of the investigations, recognizes that the safety certification standards are not met, he or she may take necessary measures, such as the issuance of corrective orders. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 16, 2023]
| Article 40-3 (Revocation of Safety Certification) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may revoke safety certification or may issue an order to prohibit the use of safety certification for a fixed period up to six months or an order to make improvements, in any of the following cases: Provided, That safety certification shall be revoked in the case of subparagraph 1: |
| 1. | Where safety certification has been obtained by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where the safety certification standards under Article 40-2 (6) are not met; |
| 3. | Where the production of inadequate outdoor mobile robots is likely to cause serious harm to pedestrians, etc.; |
| 4. | Where a corrective order, etc. issued under Article 40-2 (7) is not complied with. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the detailed standards, etc. for administrative dispositions under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 16, 2023]
| Article 40-4 (Obligation to Purchase Insurance) |
A person who operates an outdoor mobile robot that has obtained safety certification shall purchase an insurance policy or enter into a mutual aid agreement (hereinafter referred to as "liability insurance, etc.") prescribed by Presidential Decree to compensate for personal and physical damage that may be caused by the operation of such robot on a sidewalk, etc. defined in subparagraph 10 of Article 2 of the Road Traffic Act. [This Article Newly Inserted on May 16, 2023]
CHAPTER VI KOREA INSTITUTE FOR ROBOT INDUSTRY ADVANCEMENT
| Article 41 (Establishment of the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement) |
| (1) | In order to efficiently and systematically carry out projects for promoting the intelligent robot industry and supporting the development of policies on the intelligent robot industry, the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (hereinafter referred to as the "Institute") shall be established. |
| (2) | The Institute shall be a legal entity. |
| (3) | The Institute shall have executive officers and employees, as stipulated by its articles of incorporation. |
| (4) | The Institute shall undertake the following business activities in the area of the intelligent robot industry: <Amended on Jul. 25, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 6, 2016> |
| 1. | Establishment and development of policies for the promotion of the intelligent robot industry; |
| 2. | Surveys on trends of the intelligent robot industry and publication, exhibition, and public relations for the industry; |
| 3. | Preparation of statistics on the intelligent robot industry and the fact-finding surveys under Article 7; |
| 4. | Activities for the implementation and public relations of the Charter on intelligent robot ethics; |
| 5. | Pilot projects for the development of markets for intelligent robots and projects for the distribution and dissemination of robots; |
| 6. | Assistance in international cooperation and expansion into overseas markets for intelligent robots; |
| 7. | Projects for supporting the manufacture of intelligent robots; |
| 9. | Activities for research and development and distribution of standards for intelligent robots and activities for international standardization thereof; |
| 10. | Deleted; <Jan. 28, 2015> |
| 11. | Activities for the establishment of infrastructure, such as the promotion and development of the intelligent robot industry and support facilities therefor, etc.; |
| 12. | Support for the establishment and growth of intelligent robot enterprises; |
| 14. | Activities for training of experts related to the intelligent robot industry; |
| 15. | Other activities specified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy as necessary to achieve the purposes of the establishment of the Institute. |
| (5) | The Institute may engage in any for-profit business in order to finance expenses incurred in attaining its purposes under paragraph (1), as prescribed by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (6) | The Government and local governments may contribute expenses incurred in establishing and operating the Institute within budgetary limits. <Amended on Jul. 25, 2011; Jan. 6, 2016> |
| (7) | Matters necessary for the provision, use, or management, etc. of contributions under Article (6) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 6, 2016> |
| (8) | Except as provided in this Act, the provisions of the Civil Act governing incorporated foundations shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Institute. <Amended on Dec. 19, 2008; Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 41-2 (Reporting by and Inspection of the Institute) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may order the Institute to report on its affairs and properties or to submit materials related thereto or may take necessary measures such as requiring the Ministry’s officials to enter the Institute or to inspect documents. |
| (2) | Any related public official entering the Institute or conducting an inspection under paragraph (1) shall carry an identification verifying his or her authority and present said identification to interested persons. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2020]
| Article 42 (Designation of Research Institute Specializing in Intelligent Robots) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may designate a research institute specializing in intelligent robots (hereinafter referred to as the "Research Institute"), which serves as a hub for developing robot technology and nurturing professional human resources, by establishing a mutual and organic cooperative system between enterprises, universities, and research institutes, subject to consultation with the heads of relevant central administrative agencies. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013> |
| (2) | The Research Institute shall be a specific research institute governed by the Support of Specific Research Institutes Act: Provided, That any institute specified by Presidential Decree shall not be governed by the aforesaid Act. |
| (3) | Other matters regarding procedures for the designation of the research institute and other relevant matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 42-2 (Designation of Specialized Intelligent Robot Enterprises) |
| (1) | In order to promote the intelligent robot industry, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may designate enterprises which fulfill all of the following requirements as specialized intelligent robot enterprises among those whose main business is to develop and manufacture parts or finished goods of intelligent robots and the systems related thereto, and to provide robot services, and may support such enterprises: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 29, 2020> |
| 1. | An enterprise whose amount of sales from development and manufacture of parts or finished goods of intelligent robots and systems related thereto, and robot services out of the total amount of sales meets the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree; |
| (2) | Detailed requirements and procedures for designation of specialized intelligent robot enterprises, and details of support under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 26, 2012]
| Article 42-3 (Revocation of Designation of Specialized Intelligent Robot Enterprises) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may revoke the designation of a specialized intelligent robot enterprise under Article 42-2, in any of the following cases: Provided, That such designation shall be revoked, in the case of subparagraph 1: |
| 1. | Where such designation has been obtained by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where the requirements for designation as a specialized intelligent robot enterprise under Article 42-2 (1) cease to be fulfilled; |
| 3. | Where it is deemed that the business activities cannot be continued due to bankruptcy, closure, suspension of business, etc. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the revocation, etc. of designation of specialized intelligent robot enterprises under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 16, 2023]
CHAPTER VII SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
| Article 43 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 44 Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 44-2 (Submission of Data and Inspection) |
| (1) | If necessary for supervision, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may order a certification institution or a person who has obtained safety certification (hereinafter referred to as "certification institution, etc.") to report on its business affairs or submit data thereon. |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy may authorize public officials under his or her control to visit the offices, places of business, mobile outdoor robot manufacturing facilities, or other places of certification institutions, etc. to inspect relevant documents, ask questions to relevant persons, or take other necessary measures. |
| (3) | A public official making a visit for inspection under paragraph (2) shall carry identification verifying his or her authority and present it to relevant persons. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 16, 2023]
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall hold a hearing, in order to cancel approval of an implementation plan for creation under Article 33 (1). <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; May 20, 2014; Jan. 6, 2016> | 1. | Deleted; <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| 2. | Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| Article 46 (Delegation and Entrustment) |
| (1) | The head of each central administrative agency may delegate part of his or her authority under this Act to the head of each affiliated agency under his or her control or each Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | The head of each central administrative agency may entrust the head of another administrative agency or an institution or organization specified by Presidential Decree with part of affairs under his or her control under this Act, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 46-2 (Re-Examination of Regulation) |
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall examine the appropriateness of the following matters every three years from the base date specified in the following subparagraphs (referring to the period that ends on the day before the base date of every third year) and shall take measures necessary, accordingly:
| 1. | Deleted; <May 16, 2023> |
| 2. | Period of invalidation under Article 32: Jan. 1, 2016. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 6, 2016]
CHAPTER VIII PENALTY PROVISIONS
| Article 47 (Penalty Provisions) |
| (1) | Deleted. <May 16, 2023> |
| (2) | Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won: <Newly Inserted on May 16, 2023> |
| 1. | A person who has been designated as a certification institution under Article 40-2 (2) by fraud or other improper means and has granted safety certification; |
| 2. | A person who has granted safety certification without obtaining designation as a certification institution under Article 40-2 (2); |
| 3. | A person who has obtained safety certification by fraud or other improper means; |
| 4. | A person who has remodeled an outdoor mobile robot for the purpose of selling or operating it without obtaining certification for modification under Article 40-2 (3); |
| 5. | A person who has placed a safety certification mark on an outdoor mobile robot without obtaining safety certification, in violation of Article 40-2 (5); |
| 6. | A person who has granted safety certification after his or her designation as a certification institution was revoked pursuant to Article 40-2 (6). |
| (3) | Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on Jan. 14, 2014; May 16, 2023> |
| 1. | Deleted; <May 16, 2023> |
| 2. | Deleted; <May 16, 2023> |
| 3. | A person who runs a robotland without confirmation of completion in violation of Article 37 (1); |
| 4. | A person who fails to purchase liability insurance, etc., in violation of Article 40-4. |
| Article 48 (Joint Penalty Provision) |
If the representative of a corporation or an agent, employee, or other servant of the corporation or an individual commits an offense under Article 47 in connection with the duties of the corporation or the individual, not only shall such offender be punished, but also the corporation or the individual shall be punished by a fine prescribed in the relevant Article: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where such corporation or individual had not been negligent in giving due attention and supervision concerning the relevant duties to prevent such offense.
| Article 49 (Administrative Fines) |
| (1) | Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding three million won: <Amended on May 16, 2023> |
| 1. | Deleted; <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| 2. | A person who fails to submit a document or report under Article 44-2 (1) or who submits a false document or report; |
| 3. | A person who refuses, interferes with, or evades an investigation or inspection conducted pursuant to Article 44-2 (2); |
| 4. | A person who fails to comply with a request made pursuant to Article 40 (1); |
| 5. | Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| (2) | Administrative fines under paragraph (1) shall be imposed and collected by the head of a relevant central administrative agency, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (3) | Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| (4) | Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| (5) | Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2016> |
ADDENDA <Act No. 9014, Mar. 28, 2008>
| (1) | (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. |
| (2) | Deleted. <Amended on May 16, 2023> |
| (3) | (Transitional Measures concerning Penalty Provisions) Any person who committed an offense under this Act during the enforcement period of this Act shall be governed by this Act even after the lapse of such period. |
ADDENDUM <Act No. 9161, Dec. 19, 2008>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 9763, Jun. 9, 2009>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force nine months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 8 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10221, Mar. 31, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2011.
Articles 2 through 8 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10228, Apr. 5, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10272, Apr. 15, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 14 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10331, May 31, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 13 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10955, Jul. 25, 2011>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 11236, Jan. 26, 2012>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Articles 30 (1) and 36 (4) shall enter into force on July 1, 2012.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
| (1) | This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. |
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 12241, Jan. 14, 2014>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 12248, Jan. 14, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 25 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 12614, May 20, 2014>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 13082, Jan. 28, 2015>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 and 3 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 13744, Jan. 6, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Quality Certification of Intelligent Robots)
Any intelligent robot for which quality certification is obtained or application for quality certification is filed pursuant to the former provisions of Article 9 (1) at the time when this Act enters into force, shall be deemed a product for which accreditation is obtained or application for accreditation is filed pursuant to Article 15 (1) of the Industrial Standardization Act. Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Quality Certifying Institution of Intelligent Robots)
Any institution for which designation as a certifying institution of intelligent robots is obtained or application for designation is filed pursuant to the former provisions of Article 9 (1) at the time when this Act enters into force, shall be deemed a certifying institution for which accreditation is obtained or application for accreditation is filed pursuant to Article 13 (1) of the Industrial Standardization Act: Provided, That an institution for which designation as a certifying institution of intelligent robots is obtained pursuant to the former provisions of Article 9 (1) shall obtain designation again pursuant to Article 13 (1) of the Industrial Standardization Act within six months after this Act enters into force. Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Certification Mark)
Any product for which certification is obtained pursuant to the former provisions of Article 9 (1) at the time when this Act enters into force, may be marked as a product certified pursuant to the former provisions of Article 11 (1) for two years after the date when such certification is obtained. Article 5 (Transitional Measures concerning Cancellation of Quality Certification of Intelligent Robots)
The cancellation of quality certification against violations committed before this Act enters into force shall be governed by the former provisions of Article 13. Article 6 (Transitional Measures concerning Administrative Fines)
The application of administrative fines for acts conducted before this Act enters into force shall be governed by the former provisions.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15645, Jun. 12, 2018>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Articles 5, 5-2, and 9 shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15869, Dec. 11, 2018>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 16946, Feb. 4, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 17171, Mar. 31, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 17799, Dec. 29, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 26 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 19412, May 16, 2023>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.