Technology

Are You Ready For ‘Prison Guard’ Robots?

South korean robot prison guard

(Image: Asian Forum for Corrections via CNET)

When you picture robot prison guards, this is probably not what you picture.

It‘s rather harmless looking and that’s the point. You see, these robots will work in a South Korean prison, but so as not to raise alarm as “Terminator” robots, they were designed to look more friendly.

Even though they look a little soft around the edges, these robots are the ultimate tattletale. CNET reports that three of these robots will begin patrolling a Pohang prison by March with the main function of alerting human guards of dangerous behavior:

“As we’re almost done with creating its key operating system, we are now working on refining its details to make it look more friendly to inmates,” Yonhap quoted AFC Chairman Lee Baik-Chul of Kyonggi University as saying.

“That’s a concern. But the robots are not Terminators. Their job is not cracking down on violent prisoners. They are helpers. When an inmate is in a life-threatening situation or seriously ill, he or she can reach out for help quickly.”

The robots have camera sensors that pick up on cues that could signal violence or suicide. The project is organized by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and costs $864,000 (1 billion Won).

Comments (18)

  • MUDFLAPS
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:50pm

    are you ready for a prisoner to escape with two double A batteries in his pocket?

    Report Post »  
  • buster2
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:19pm

    Yes, friendly I am sure for a while, then the front line for the tea party rioters, won’t use them on the wallstreet mob, they are the friendlies. Those camps that I was told by my senators were for displaced people after a flood or hurricane, as if people want to move to a fenced camp voluntarily. Hate to think that our government could turn on us on a dime, but it is possible.

    Report Post »  
  • ComradeAdam
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:34pm

    So, its a moving camera? They aren’t being used to try to replace human reason and make decisions. It’s a tool like any other. Just don’t rely too heavily on them.

    Report Post » ComradeAdam  
  • Carter John
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:42pm

    If we face an I, Robot situation where do we place a bullet?

    Report Post » Carter John  
  • dnewton
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 12:37pm

    More savings would be possible by putting them in the schools. They would be just as safe.

    Report Post »  
  • Dudley Do-Right
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:55am

    I retired after 30 years as a screw. My favorite response when inmates would ask me for things was, “pick out a little guy and take his!” The cons will have these things disassembled and made into tattoo guns in no time.

    Report Post »  
  • watashbuddyfriend
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:18am

    Would they not work on “the border?”

    Report Post »  
  • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
    Posted on November 28, 2011 at 11:21pm

    I’d rather have T-101s in gleaming, skeletal chrome carrying stun sticks patrolling American prisons.

    Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
    • InversionTheory
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 2:50pm

      Clearly, the priority is that the inmates don’t get intimidated. It would seem to me that is half the point.

      Report Post »  
  • wbalzley
    Posted on November 28, 2011 at 8:59pm

    SLIPPERY SLOPE: First it starts with surveillance, then they add non-lethal “defensive” capabilities, and finally you have robots carrying guns…

    Report Post »  
  • certified ethical hacker
    Posted on November 28, 2011 at 8:31pm

    This is only the beginning , you know technology is advancing rapidly , esp in robotics. The key is to keep humans out of harms way. If the thugs attack a robot and disable it, so what no real lives lost of endangered. I can just hear one of the robots yelling (in the voice of the woman in police academy) FREEZE DIRT BAG LOL

    Report Post »  
    • wbalzley
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 9:05pm

      Actually, they might give the ‘bots one of those sound-blastin’ doo-hickeys the police were planning to use on the OWS protesters…that would be one LOUD scream…

      Report Post »  
  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on November 28, 2011 at 7:50pm

    Klaatu barada nikto kimchee!

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
    • Dabldo
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 8:24pm

      Fantastic! You took the words right out of my mouth!

      Report Post »  
  • oldironsides
    Posted on November 28, 2011 at 7:04pm

    great idea – it could only happen in this country in a privately owned prison because of the prison guard”s union, but then it would be held up by costly lawsuits concerning prisoner’s rights – unless they can figure a way for them to join a union and vote in government elections… hmm

    Report Post »  
  • TombstoneJim
    Posted on November 28, 2011 at 6:32pm

    Cool, we need more technology to suppress riots….

    Report Post » TombstoneJim  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 6:43pm

      Or… is this a Dictator’s tool… to suppress the Population… alike “Killer Kane” in Buck Rogers?

      Report Post » lukerw  

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