The Department of Space Design & Consumer Studies at The Catholic University of Korea signed a business agreement for the 'Activation of Industry-Academic Cooperation in the Field of AIoT (AI+IoT) Technology-Integrated Intelligent Space Design' with Aqara Life Inc., a leading smart home company, and UIA Design Inc., a company specializing in IoT interior design.

This agreement was established to create a smart space design education and research ecosystem integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The three organizations plan to strengthen cooperation in the field of smart space design through practical industry-linked education and joint research.

In particular, the university will introduce the 'AIoT Integrated Space Design Practice Lab' into its curriculum for the first time in Korea, starting from the second semester of the 2026 academic year. An AIoT smart home platform, IoT devices, and smart lighting systems will be established in the practice lab, and students will utilize these to carry out smart space design and space service development projects applicable to real life.

In addition, this space will be utilized as a place to directly implement regional-industrial-academic cooperation projects with the local community and industry.

Furthermore, the three institutions plan to continue cooperation in various fields, including △Development of AIoT-based project-oriented curriculum and joint research △Operation of AI Integrated Space Design Professional Degree △Enhancement of employment capabilities through field practice and internships △In-service training and development of new technology integration programs △Promotion of industry-academic cooperation projects for local community innovation.

Kim Na-yeon, Head of the Department of Space Design & Consumer Studies, stated, "In the era of digital transformation, a new education and research paradigm that integrates AI and IoT is essential in the field of space design," adding, "Based on close cooperation with industry, we will cultivate integrated professional talents equipped with field practice skills and capabilities to respond to future industries."