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Imagine working amongst the most hardened criminals in society? Always looking over your shoulder, watching out for a shiv that might just be shoved thru your kidneys or other vital organs.
Imagine the risk of riots looming every day? Well that feeling might just be over (as well as your job!) South Korea is planning to run a month long trial of its robot wardens in the eastern city of Pohang, these machines will monitor inmates for abnormal behaviour (such as not eating kimchi!) which will help reduce the workload of their human counterparts. South Korea now aims to be a world leader in robotics with business leaders believing the field has the potential to become a major player in the export industry.
These 5 ft high robots were developed by the Asian Forum for Correction, a company who specialize in criminality and prison policies. Equipped with 4 wheels and cameras as well as other sensors will allow them to detect risky behaviour such a violence and suicide. A huge chunk of funds was provided by the South Korean government as well as the development of robotic gun turrets, robotic suveillance system (Samsung), and the humanoid Hubo robot (they're not really naked dolls) which makes them competitive enough to go up against Japan and other nations who are into robotics.
On the lighter side, the government of South Korea is also building a Robot Land theme park in the city of Incheon to highlight the country's success in the field. Hopefully the parks theme song would not be Mr. Roboto looped every time it ends.
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