Good luck swiping the keys from this prison guard.
According to a recent report by Reuters' Ben Gruber, the "Robo-guard," which is undergoing its first field test at a prison in South Korea, comes equipped with software designed to study human behavior, 3D depth cameras and a two-way wireless communication system. All of these tools enable it to detect, record and transmit in real-time any abnormalities in a prisoner's behavior. Based on the 'bot's data, the human controllers can respond to any situations that arise.
While the robotic guard has been designed to patrol prisons autonomously, it can also be controlled manually with an iPad. The hope is that these Robo-guards will help lighten the heavy workload human corrections officers often carry.
Lee Baik-chul, chairman of the Asian Forum for Corrections, which, according to CNET, developed the Robo-guard in association with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and manufacturer SMEC, told Reuters the following:
The purpose of developing this kind of robot is to secure prisoners' life and safety and decrease the workload of correctional officers in a poor working environment.
Reports of these robotic prison guards first appeared back in November. According to The Telegraph, the project, organized by Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy, cost one billion won or about $879,000.
Check out the video above to learn more about the Robo-guard, then tell us: What do you think of these robot prison guards? Do you think they'll work? Share your thoughts below!
[Hat Tip: Vancouver Sun]