Kongju National University deploys AI and drones to protect Gongsanseong Fortress

A research team from Kongju National University has successfully demonstrated an AI-based preservation management system designed to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site, Gongsanseong Fortress. The system utilizes multimodal autonomous mobility, including robots and drones, to perform autonomous sensing and identify damage through cloud-based AI.

Developed through a consortium including Kongju National University, Baylis, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), and Postmedia, the project integrates real-time data with 3D digital visualization. The platform allows users to view 3D assets via web browsers and features a ‘time-slide interaction’ to compare structural damage, such as cracks and discoloration, over time.

Researchers emphasized that while AI and mobility can rapidly detect anomalies, human experts remain essential for determining final repair methods and materials. The system is expected to be used for routine maintenance by local governments and as digital heritage educational content for schools.