Location-based technology is playing an increasingly important role in global transportation hubs like airports, commercial spaces such as trade centers, and shopping malls. In this blog, we share the story of how RoboFriend, the predecessor of GrowSpace, successfully conducted a testbed at COEX Mall in 2022 under the auspices of the Korea Trade Center.
Testbed Demonstration Details
- Collecting radio frequency data within COEX Mall
- Developing an initial test version
- Creating a beta version after gathering feedback from COEX Mall stakeholders
- Conducting beta version functionality tests within COEX Mall
- Launching and promoting the app
Testbed Achievements
GrowSpace tested the initial version of its indoor navigation service while collecting indoor location data at COEX Mall. The project achieved the following key outcomes:
1. User Data Collection and Analysis
- The cumulative number of users exceeded 1,000. This steady increase, achieved without additional marketing, demonstrated significant interest in the indoor mapping service.
2. Development of a Full-Service Version
The test conducted at COEX Mall, one of Korea’s largest indoor facilities, provided valuable data through the beta version, which was used to develop the official service version.
3. Subsequent Investment and Awards
The testbed results led to GrowSpace winning the Silver Prize in the Startup Investment Booster IR Competition, gaining recognition for its technological capabilities. It also secured follow-up investments from Aegis Investment Partners and The Invention Lab.
Benefits of GrowSpace Adoption in Large Shopping Malls
1. Enhanced Visitor Convenience
GrowSpace’s indoor navigation and store information services provide a high-quality shopping experience. With its intuitive interface that even first-time users can easily utilize, and its web-based platform accessible to everyone, the indoor map ensures that all visitors can effortlessly use the service.
2. Improved Space Operational Efficiency
Movement data collected from visitors can be analyzed to design space strategies. This is especially useful during exhibitions, events, and gatherings to reduce congestion and enhance visitor satisfaction.
3. Data-Driven Management
Visitor traffic data and store-specific visit statistics can be utilized to develop effective marketing strategies.
The project conducted under the Korea Trade Association’s testbed demonstrates the critical role of location-based technology in large-scale facilities and validates the demand for indoor spatial information. This technology not only enhances user convenience but also enables operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.