Project
Work Unit
Overview
A Series of Units for
the New Workspace
Robotics
2021
Modern offices are evolving from fixed spaces and standardized roles to flexible work environments centered on collaboration and teamwork. Work Unit is a robotic system designed to align with these changes, providing various functions such as Storage/Service, Printer, Micro Cafe, and Display, depending on the situation. The system is based on four primary roles required in the office and is implemented in a single form factor, functioning as the most fundamental unit of "work": the "Work Unit."
Index
Part 1. Strategic Context
01 Macro Context
02 Defining the Problem
Part 3. Engineering Details
04 Storage + Service Unit
05 Print + Scan Unit
06 Cafe Unit
07 Display Unit
08 Drive System
09 Lighting Interaction
10 Device Interaction
Part 2. Design Management
03 Design Management Solution
Part 4. Business Impact
11 Market Penetration Strategy
Part 1. Strategic Context
01 Macro Context
From Fixed Desks
to Agile Collaboration
Modern workplaces are rapidly transitioning from static, desk-bound routines to agile, cross-functional collaboration. While digital collaboration tools have advanced significantly, the physical office environment remains rigid and fragmented—creating friction in daily workflows and limiting spatial flexibility.
Modern workspaces have evolved significantly from rigid, designated desks to flexible, project-based environments that foster collaboration and autonomy. These open and adaptable layouts enhance space efficiency and support dynamic teamwork. However, despite these functional advancements, fundamental physical limitations remain—leaving critical workflow friction and spatial fragmentation still unresolved.
02 Defining the Problem
New Workspaces
Remaining Challenges
Problem 01
Various Spaces
Divided by Function
Even with flexible teamwork, spaces still serve distinct roles: meetings take place in conference rooms, tasks are done in workspaces, and equipment is kept in the OA room, requiring users to move between areas for each purpose.
Problem 02
Hardware Elements
That Software Cannot Fulfill
Collaboration quality has improved with tools like ‘Slack’ and ‘Notion’, but physical aspects that only hardware can address remain unchanged, hindering smooth teamwork.
Part 2. Design Management
03 Design Management Solution
A New Workspace
Through Hardware Solutions
Work Units are modular elements designed for roles such as storage/service, printing, micro cafe, and display, all sharing a unified aesthetic for visual consistency across the office. Optimized at a 750mm desk height, they provide both functionality and convenience. Work Units enhance spatial adaptability by transforming break areas into meeting zones or converting workstations into café spaces, supporting flexible and efficient office use.
Part 3. Engineering Details
04 Storage + Service Unit
Unit. S
The 'S' in Unit S stands for Storage and Service. It functions as a service robot that fetches or delivers items, and also acts as an information robot with a tablet mounted on top. When secure transport or privacy is needed, the storage compartment can be enclosed with a magnet-attached fabric cover.
Flexible Configs
Smart Apps
The upper section supports a detachable system for versatile uses, such as
attaching a toolbox, bookshelf, or tablet via POGO pins for delivery or guidance. The lower section includes adjustable baskets for flexible storage, allowing accommodation of larger loads when needed.
05 Print + Scan Unit
Unit. P
The ‘P’ stands for Printer. This unit supports A4 printing and scanning, allowing users to access printing services wherever needed. It can print in advance and deliver to the user’s desk, or send documents
directly to a colleague’s workspace.
Print & Scan
Opening the back cover reveals multiple cable ports for connectivity, as well as a compartment for replacing ink cartridges and storing extra A4 paper.
06 Cafe Unit
Unit. C
The ‘C’ in Unit C stands for Cafe. This unit functions as a compact micro-cafe, offering coffee to users. To provide space for cups or tumblers, a ㄱ-shaped extension is integrated into the base, forming a distinctive silhouette.
Components
Designed for
Usability
A small dedicated stand securely holds both tall tumblers and smaller items like espresso cups. It fits into evenly spaced grooves, allowing stable attachment and detachment essential for safe transport in a mobile device.
07 Display Unit
Unit. D
The ‘D’ in Unit D stands for Display. Equipped with a 65-inch screen on the front, it enables meetings and presentations anywhere. The screen can rotate horizontally or vertically to suit different needs.
A Large
65-Inch Canvas
Featuring a dedicated magnetic camera and digitizer pen, the 65-inch unit serves as an interactive screen and digital canvas for real-time collaboration. In vertical orientation, multiple Unit D devices dock and synchronize to create an expansive panoramic display, offering scalable versatility for presentations and large-scale teamwork.
08 Drive System
Drive Components
Shared Across
All Units
All units share a common drive component at the base, featuring a charging coil, LiDAR sensor, and omni wheels. These allow flexible indoor maneuverability and support a holonomic drive system for smooth directional changes.
The LED lighting communicates real-time driving and battery states.
It stays solid green in idle, blinks directionally during turns, and alerts with
red upon obstacles or errors. During power management, yellow indicates
a low battery, while a progressive green animation signals active charging
until solid green indicates completion.
Light-Based
Interaction
09 Lighting Interaction
10 Device Interaction
Bring to My Location
Work Units can be summoned using a program that intuitively displays their functions through the workplace's communication network.
Each unit estimates its arrival time and sends a notification to inform users of its expected arrival.
Part 4. Business Impact
11 Market Penetration Strategy
Data Driven
Commercialization Architecture
The Work Unit ecosystem delivers dynamic spatial value across diverse office typologies—maximizing footprint in compact studios, enabling agile layout shifts in large enterprise hubs, and adapting to fluctuating tenant density in co-working spaces. To accelerate market adoption, the system is deployed via a flexible hardware subscription model. By eliminating heavy upfront purchase costs and offering on-demand fleet rentals alongside continuous maintenance, this approach lowers entry barriers for businesses of all scales while establishing a sustainable, recurring B2B revenue framework.
DONG JU LEE
Design Portfolio.
© All Rights Reserved by DongJu Lee.
DONG JU LEE
Design Portfolio
DONG JU LEE
Design Portfolio.© All Rights Reserved by DongJu Lee