In response to the urgent need for technology that supports the health and well-being of the elderly population in South Korea—now facing the challenges of a super-aging society—a research team, affiliated with UNIST has captured international attention with their groundbreaking care robot, LEMMY.
Jointly led by Professors KwanMyung Kim, Hui Sung Lee, Kyungho Lee, and James Self from the Department of Design at UNIST, this innovative solution aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors aged 60 to 90, promoting independence and facilitating daily activities.
Meet LEMMY, the innovative service robot designed to support and enhance the lives of the aging population.
LEMMY‘s technological prowess and social impact were recognized when it received the prestigious Innovation Award at CES 2025, the world’s largest electronics exhibition. This accolade highlights the product’s outstanding quality and performance, making it a standout in a showcase known for displaying cutting-edge technologies in design and user experience.
UNIST Department of Design is set to unveil LEMMY at CES 2025 in Las Vegas this coming January, where they will present the future and potential of care technology to global business officials and consumers alike.
“LEMMY is designed to support the twilight years of the elderly, improving their quality of life and encouraging independence,” noted Professor KwanMyung Kim, who led the project. “Our aim is to create innovative products and services through the convergence of design and engineering.”
The creation of LEMMY is a collaborative effort involving Professor Hui Sung Lee, who developed the robot’s control technology, and Professor Kyeongho Lee, who designed an intelligent UI/UX system through AI technology. Their teamwork exemplifies the critical importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing the complexities of an aging society.
LEMMY has been awarded the CES 2025 Innovation Award for its contributions to supporting healthy aging.
The project commenced in 2021, supported by the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT). Product development and design are being handled by Shinsung Delta Tech Co., Ltd. and JEI Design Works (JDW) Inc., with a goal of completing the project by 2025 and bringing LEMMY to market.
As South Korea navigates the challenges of an increasingly aging population, innovations like LEMMY are not only necessary, but vital in ensuring that seniors can lead fulfilling and independent lives.
