Models pose with electronics devices for pets released by LG Uplus Corp. on Oct. 26, 2015. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s No. 3 mobile carrier LG Uplus Corp. said Monday it has rolled out pet-care devices equipped with Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology, allowing owners to feed their animals from long distance.
The company said its Pet Station can provide meals to pets at pre-set times, allowing owners to leave home for several days without having to worry about their animals.
Users can also access the Pet Station through smartphones and watch their pets as they eat through a camera. The device also has a walkie-talkie feature that allows them to communicate with their animals.
LG Uplus said more South Koreans are adopting pets amid the country’s aging population and the rise in the number of one-member households, expecting demand for such pet-care devices to further grow in the future.
The country’s pet market is estimated at 1.81 trillion won (US$1.6 billion) this year, and is expected to reach 5.81 trillion won in 2020, LG Uplus said, citing data compiled by Nonghyup Economic Research Center.
The mobile carrier also showcased StarWalk, a wearable smart device for pets that can be worn like a collar. It can keep track of pets’ activities, allowing owners to check on health-related information through their smartphones.
The light-emitting diode on the wearable also informs users when to give pets medicines or meals.
Industry watchers said the devices are the latest examples of IoT products, which is a concept in which all tangible objects are connected to the Internet and can identify themselves to other devices in order to exchange necessary data for improved efficiency and convenience.’
(Yonhap)
