Service robots began flourishing globally since 2000, and Taiwanese companies such as Acer, Foxconn, and ASUS had also endeavored in researching and developing service robots. In 2006, ITRI researched and developed a security and tour guide robot which actually operated in National Science and Industry Museum operations, integrating helper robots into people’s lives. In 2008, ITRI developed the world’s first-ever smart blower series smart cleaning robots, possessing smart functions such as ultra-quietness as well as sensing and recognition capabilities. ITRI subsequently applied for and obtained all related cleaning robot patents and transferred such technology to Japanese component giant NIDEC, successfully joining the international chain.

In 2011, ITRI licensed cleaning robot-related patents to five companies, namely Li Cheng E&M Engineering, Matsutek, Linghai, All Ring, and NIDEC. In 2017, iRobot sued Matsutek for patent infringement. This prompted ITRI to prepare over 100 related patent materials to back up Matsutek. Later, ITRI filed a countersuit against iRobot, causing iRobot to drop its lawsuit and helping Taiwan’s cleaning robot industry win a key patent war. These efforts showcased ITRI’s foresight in coordinating cleaning robot-related patents.

In addition to developing household cleaning robots, in 2016, ITRI researched and developed exoskeleton walking assistance robots, enabling disabled patients to walk again. During that same year, ITRI founded startup company Free Bionics, manufacturing smart assistive devices that have received TFDA and CE’s approvals to be sold commercially; these devices are now sold in 20 countries worldwide. As Taiwan gradually enters into a super-aged society, in 2018, ITRI researched and developed a robot with smart visual system, combining smart vision, sensing, and deep learning functions to allow the robot to be used as/for home companions, care, and industrial use. Additionally, ITRI designed a PECOLA companion robot for older adults, where the robot provided company and home care for people of different ages. In 2021, ITRI launched a humanoid dual-arm robot. The robot possessed two 7-axis arms and could perform various tasks in a human-like manner. In 2022, ITRI researched and developed AMR unmanned smart logistics technology and Collaborated with Uni-President to provide food deliverysuch service has been employed in the commercial office buildings of Kaohsiung Software Park. This service task not only to provide zero contact and low carbon delivery service, but also to save delivery personnel costs and solve the problem of aging-induced labor force shortage.