At Expand North Star 2025, the world’s largest startup and investor connector event, TECHx Media met with Jongduk Aaron Park, the visionary CEO of Soteria8, a robotics and AI startup pioneering urban inspection and disaster prevention technologies. Park’s journey from the automotive sector to founding a climate-conscious tech startup is as remarkable as the mission that drives his company.

Robots Beneath the City

Soteria8 develops inspection robots powered by AI and satellite data integration to monitor and maintain urban infrastructure. “We develop robotics and AI for urban residents,” Park explained. “Our inspection robots collect data under the city, our AI model automates inspections, and our data analysis uses satellite data to identify risks and optimize maintenance priorities for governments and large corporations.”

A Vision Born from Adversity

The concept was born after a personal turning point. Following a serious accident, Park began reflecting on how he could make a lasting impact. “I discovered that civil engineering was at risk due to climate change,” he recalled. “That inspired me to create a technology startup that could help societies adapt to the changing climate.”

From Korea to Japan: Testing the Future

With initial funding from the Korean government, Park launched an MVP in Korea before expanding to Japan, where natural disasters presented an ideal testing ground. “Japan has more disasters and a stronger interest in disaster prevention,” he said. “We received subsidies and conducted proof-of-concept projects there, which helped us sharpen our technology.”

A Small Tesla for the Underground

Soteria8’s robots are unlike any other. “Our robot is a small version of Tesla,” Park said with a smile. The robots autonomously navigate underground tunnels where drones cannot operate due to lack of GPS. “We collect data, run AI analysis, and pinpoint risk areas,” he explained. “This helps governments and corporations prioritize maintenance and extend the life of their infrastructure.”

Tough Tech for Tough Conditions

Built with IP65 waterproofing, the robots are designed to withstand water, sand, and rugged environments. “We started underground because water is the key enemy of infrastructure,” Park shared. “But technically, we can operate anywhere. One of our clients even plans to integrate 5G modules into our robots for real-time monitoring.”

A Compact Team with Big Ambitions

Soteria8 currently runs with a lean team of five members in Korea and three in Japan, supported by two legal entities in Japan. The company’s main revenue comes from government projects, but discussions are underway with telecom and insurance firms. “We expect to start generating revenue from telcos and insurers next year,” Park noted confidently.

The Patience Game of B2B2G

Working with governments means navigating long decision cycles. “Our business model is B2B2G,” Park explained. “We work with telcos and insurance firms who serve government clients. But government budgets move slowly, so we often wait a year for approval.” Despite this, new regulations in Japan are accelerating opportunities. “The government now allows innovative, non-traditional solutions for inspections,” he added.

Funding the Mission

When asked about funding, Park was candid. “So far, we’ve managed with Korean and Japanese R&D support, and my own money,” he said. “I’m now raising seed investment to create new types of robots for different infrastructure needs.” His perseverance reflects both the challenges and passion behind Soteria8’s growth.

A Global Challenge Beneath the Surface

Park believes the need for smarter inspection solutions extends far beyond Asia. “Cities like Dubai are modern and innovative, but what happens beneath the surface often goes unnoticed,” he noted. “As climate change intensifies, every city will need technologies like ours to ensure safety and sustainability.”

Smarter Cities, Safer Futures

As the discussion concluded, Park reflected on Soteria8’s purpose. “Governments want to save costs and improve safety. Our role is to give them the tools to make smarter decisions about their infrastructure.”

With its blend of AI, robotics, and data-driven insights, Soteria8 is redefining how cities monitor what lies below, paving the way for safer, more resilient urban futures.

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