Seen is an AI-based drone developed by state-run Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). The Ministry of Science and ICT said Monday that it will develop new AI-based services, including AI rescue drones, to nurture the domestic AI business ecosystem and enhance people's lives. Courtesy of ETRI

The government aims to enhance public services by leveraging AI technology, including AI-based rescue drones, job matching solutions, and seaweed quality grading. This initiative is designed to foster the domestic AI industry ecosystem and create services that enhance the quality of life for citizens, the ICT ministry announced on Monday.

The Ministry of Science and ICT selected 10 new projects incorporating AI, with plans to rapidly expand AI-based public services. The ministry intends to spend 24 billion won ($18 million) on this initiative this year, up three times compared to 2023.

The ICT ministry added it chose the 10 projects after a thorough review and evaluation of 58 candidates for public services utilizing AI technology submitted by government agencies. Factors such as the innovation and impact of the services from both technological and industry perspectives were considered during the selection process.

The selected projects include the development and demonstration of an AI-based integrated support solution for jobseekers and employers proposed by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Additionally, there's the development and demonstration of a drone search and rescue system proposed by the National Fire Agency. Another project involves the development of a dried seaweed quality grading solution proposed by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Lastly, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport proposed the development of a traffic accident risk prediction and prevention solution.

Seen is AI-based traffic accident risk prediction program, test operated by the transport ministry. Courtesy of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

In addition, the ICT ministry added that in collaboration with the Korea Forest Service, it will develop an AI-based solution to detect trees infected by pests, contributing to the reduction of potential forest damage. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, it will also develop a platform to inspect the image quality of specialized medical equipment using AI.

The new projects will be eligible for government support for up to three years, encompassing activities ranging from AI convergence service development to on-site demonstration. Each project will receive an annual budget of 1.6 billion won. Furthermore, each of the 10 government departments involved plans to expand these projects on-site in accordance with field demands.

The ministry said that by spearheading the expansion of AI-applied services, it anticipates not only nurturing the ecosystem of the domestic AI industry but also enhancing the convenience of daily life for citizens.

"In AI era, it is anticipated that there will be no field untouched by its application, and the extent to which AI becomes commonplace will significantly influence a country's national competitiveness," Uhm Yul, director general of the Artificial Intelligence Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT," said. "Our plan entails not only innovating AI-based public services and enhancing citizens' everyday interactions with AI, but also catalyzing the expansion of the private AI market. We are committed to accelerating AI innovation and the widespread integration of AI technologies."