Description
Korea's robots surprise the worldKorea's representative humanoid robot HUBO won the first place at the DARPA Robotics Challenge. Held in California, DARPA Robotics Challenge is a global robot competition held by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense. There, HUBO fiercely outran robots from the U.S. and Japan and won the challenge. Robots' activities are starting to expand to various fields such as service, industry, medicine, and military. The robots are expected to further enrich and facilitate human lives. With the government's support, the development rate of Korea's robotics has been increasing rapidly. Export market for Korea's robots has also steadily increased as foreign buyers have recognized the quality of Korea's robots.The gap between humans and robots is shrinking. We review the current status of Korea's robotics as well as its future prospects.Jongmyo Jeryeak to reverberate in Paris during the 130th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic tiesNational Gugak Center will perform Jongmyo Jeryeak in Paris this September to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic ties. Over 120 people including 50 orchestra members, 35 dancers, and 35 production crew members will attend the performance. This will be National Gugak Center's largest overseas performance, and they will introduce Korea's traditional music, dance, and rituals. National Gugak Center previously held small performances in Japan in 2000 and in Italy in 2007 with about 40 members. Jongmyo Jeryeak is recognized for its long history and artistic values. It is played at the Jongmyo Shrine during memorial services dedicated to the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Jongmyo Jeryeak was listed as Korea's no.1 intangible cultural property and in 2001, UNESCO also listed it as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.Creative water management to overcome droughtsKorea is currently suffering from the wo