Korea Is Improving Suicide Prevention on Bridges With an AI That Analyses Body Language!

As much as we admire South Korea and its culture, its high suicide rate is, unfortunately, a well-known fact. Based on a recent study by the World Population Review, South Korea has the fourth-highest suicide rate in the world, with an estimate of 28,600 per 100,00 Koreans attempting it in the last year. 

That said, South Korea has taken many strides to improve the psychological well-being of its people. The country is increasing mental healthcare access and educating community leaders on how to prevent suicides at a local level. The most recent effort? An artificial intelligence (AI) created by Korean researchers to improve and assist human surveillance on bridges. As many Koreans attempt suicide by jumping off bridges, this AI invention is crucial to suicide prevention in South Korea. 

Also read: South Korea Quarantine Exemptions: Here’s a List of People Who Qualify

How does the AI work?

Image credit: soap0119

The one developing this new system is the Seoul Institute of Technology. According to them, the AI system they’re working on learns patterns of behaviour by analysing data from cameras, sensors, and dispatch records from rescue services. 

Principal researcher Kim Jun-chul also shared that the hours of CCTV footage give insight to their AI invention while it analyses details such as the hesitancy a person is exhibiting. “The system learns the footage itself, which can bring about improved results by greatly reducing false alarms,” said Kim. 

Kim Hyeong-gil and his team, who are in charge of Yeouido Water Rescue Brigade, are working closely with the researchers to develop the AI technology which his crew will pilot in October 2021. He believes that the AI will help the rescue brigade detect cases much faster so they can also respond more quickly. 

In 2020, rescue dispatches surged by 30% in South Korea as suicide attempts by millennials increased due to the struggles brought about by COVID-19. Let’s hope the invention of this AI to assist suicide prevention on bridges in Korea will perform as expected. Bridges, after all, are meant to connect people, not break them apart. We’re rooting for you, Korea!

Featured image credit: 12019 | Pixabay