Eyes above the water: Seoul deploys physical AI to prevent Han River tragedies
Beneath the bridges that span the Han River, the sound of splashing water or a sharp scream can mean the difference between life and death. Korea’s capital is turning to cutting-edge technology to ensure those desperate calls for help do not go unheard. As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a new 2.8 billion won ($2.1 million) initiative to deploy an…
In the heart of Seoul, authorities are employing advanced technology to prevent tragic deaths along the Han River. As the capital commemorates World Suicide Prevention Day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced a 2.8 billion won ($2.1 million) initiative to install an artificial intelligence (AI) emergency response system across the city’s waterways.
Backed by the Ministry of Science and ICT, this two-year national project aims to significantly reduce the crucial response time for individuals in distress along the river’s famous bridges. The innovative lifesaving technology will make its debut at Banpo Bridge, a prominent landmark in Gangnam, with a full-scale launch expected in November following a pilot program in October.
The urgency of this endeavor is underscored by alarming statistics: in 2024 alone, emergency services reported 1,272 suicide attempts across the Han River’s 31 bridges. The key to survival in such harrowing situations depends on the speed of the response.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
