World’s first robot prison guard on trial in South Korea

We’ve seen robots used by the US Navy and UK health service, and the next public sector implementation is potentially even more fraught with risk. Field testing is underway in South Korea for what Reuters is calling the “world’s first robot prison guard,” which uses 3D cameras to detect abnormal human behavior patterns and sound the alarm if necessary. Before you worry about the machines taking over, it’s worth noting that the most “Robo-guard” can do is summon correctional officers to the scene to handle the problem themselves. It’s capable of autonomous patrols but can also be controlled manually via an iPad, and features a two-way wireless communications system for prison staff to communicate with inmates. The Asian Forum for Correction says the robots will lighten the load on overworked correctional officers by preventing incidents before they escalate.