Programmers at the Seoul Institute of Technology are creating a system using artificial intelligence to recognize body movements and other cues that can help identify whether someone is thinking of ending their own life. If the system believes that the person is at risk, it will immediately alert local rescue teams in the area.
Suicide is a major problem in South Korea, and the rates in the country are higher than in other well-developed countries. Furthermore, it can be challenging for even trained surveillance teams to determine whether a person is simply pensive or enjoying the view from one of Seoul’s 27 bridges.
“We believe the new CCTV will enable our crews to detect the cases a bit faster and help us head to a call more promptly,” Kim Hyeong-gil, who is in charge of the Yeouido Water Rescue Brigade.
