SK has unveiled its first wellness robotics product, “NAMUHX,” ahead of its official launch in July 2025, marking the group’s entry into the wellness robotics market. The dome-shaped robot can recognize voices, locate pollution sources, and autonomously move to purify the air - combining two distinct functions into one unit.

Kim Hyung-jin, who heads SK’s NAMUHX business unit, expressed confidence in the product’s future, citing long-term demographic trends such as aging and increased life expectancy. He noted that while the wellness sector is a vast market offering physical and mental comfort, a dominant player is yet to emerge and thus presented an opportunity for a well-structured business model to succeed.

Although SK owns the SK magic home appliance brand, it chose to launch NAMUHX as a separate brand to differentiate it as a multi-service in-home robot rather than a traditional appliance. The development was supported by global collaboration via its network for innovation dubbed Hicosystem and AI technology contributions from Stanford-based startup PhnyX Lab.

Kim emphasized that unlike utility-focused robots developed by existing appliance makers, NAMUHX is a wellness platform based on an open ecosystem. The robot will come equipped with voice recognition, autonomous mobility, health monitoring features including temperature, pulse, and oxygen saturation, and air purification.

Like apps on an online platform, NAMUHX will run various wellness services and developers - including AI and wellness specialists - will be able to contribute and test new services. Security and safety services developed in collaboration with Korea’s top security firm will be added later in 2025, with six more wellness services - such as meditation, nutrition, and sleep management - slated for 2026.

Kim also said the robot will eventually predict user needs before requests are made, suggesting services proactively. For example, it could greet users at the door after work and analyze their tone for stress, then play suitable music or adjust indoor temperature and humidity based on emotional cues.

Designed with utility in mind, NAMUHX is capable of replacing up to six stationary air purifiers. Unlike wearable devices, it collects data on indoor temperature, lighting, air quality, and even sleep and health status.

The robot will be offered via a rental model, with a monthly subscription fee of around 50,000 to 100,000 won ($37 to $74), and additional services can be purchased separately. The amount can be settled in lump-sum or installment payments, similar to water purifiers or mattresses. Overseas launches are planned for Malaysia in November 2025 and the United States in March 2026.

Kim said the company hopes to emulate Tesla’s rise - not with proprietary technology but by learning and integrating existing ones to build a new ecosystem through innovation.

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