Local governments are widely adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technology in field operations. Utilizing the advantage of being able to work 24 hours without labor costs, they monitor fire hazards in traditional markets where the lights are off and observe whether elderly individuals living alone are in danger. They also enforce regulations against illegal parking and smoking in non-smoking areas. However, there are criticisms that some products may be just 'named AI.'
◇The 'fire patrol robot' protecting the darkened late-night traditional market… Now, AI handles 119 reports
According to the Seoul city government, the 'fire patrol robot' is active in the Mapo agricultural and fishery market and the Namdaemun market. This robot patrols the darkened market at night using autonomous driving technology, and sends alerts to market officials if it detects high temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius with its thermal imaging camera. AI can also analyze video to determine fire risks. It has a function for automatically reporting to 119 and can also perform initial firefighting tasks with a solid aerosol extinguishing device.
When it was piloted for four months starting December 2023 in Gwangjang Market, Majang Meat Market, Namguro Market, and Gatchisan Market, it captured 85 fire hazard factors, preventing fires.
Seoul has introduced the 'AI call bot,' the first of its kind in the nation, to respond when there is a sudden surge of 119 reports due to large fires or heavy rainfall. Typically, 12 people are at the Seoul Comprehensive Disaster Prevention Center, and 32 are on duty when reports become concentrated. However, when a major disaster occurs, 119 reports can overwhelm the system. With the introduction of the AI call bot, urgent situations can be communicated to the 'AI counselor.'
This system engages with the caller like a counselor, identifying the type and location of the incident in real-time. If it determines that the situation is urgent, it prioritizes connecting to a 119 caller agent. Currently, the AI call bot only connects when the volume of calls exceeds what the agents can handle. Since starting its pilot operation in March, it has processed 11,434 reports over four months, with 2,250 classified as 'urgent.'
Currently, it is said that conversing with the AI call bot reveals its artificial nature due to awkward speech patterns and voice. Seoul plans to enable natural consultations using generative AI, similar to ChatGPT, allowing the AI call bot to also handle routine 119 reports. A pilot project is scheduled for the second half of next year.
Following the Itaewon tragedy, intelligent closed-circuit TV (CCTV) systems have been introduced in densely populated areas to prevent crowd accidents. AI analyzes footage to measure how many people are standing per square meter in one-second intervals. If too many people gather in a narrow space, information is relayed to local disaster safety response offices, the Seoul city government, fire departments, and police.
On the morning of Nov. 29, 2023, the AI crowd management system issued warning broadcasts twice on the club street in front of Hongdae, stating, 'Currently, we are at a crowded alert stage. Please move orderly and be cautious of safety incidents.' The crowd gathered at that time was estimated to be about 50,000.
◇The 'grandson substitute' robots Hyo-dori and Hyo-soon take care of seniors' health and well-being
AI technology is also being utilized in senior care. The Seoul Welfare Foundation's Center for Supporting Isolated Households reported that 44,923 households used the 'smart care service' last year. This service employs AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to ensure that elderly individuals living alone do not fall into danger.
In the service, the 'AI well-being check' feature automatically calls seniors to verify whether they are eating properly and whether they have any discomfort, allowing those in charge at community centers to be informed. Additionally, it analyzes mobile phone usage data and electricity consumption to check on their well-being.
Talking robot dolls 'Hyo-dori' and 'Hyo-soon' are also being distributed. The Dongjak District Office explained that this AI companion robot can engage in free two-way conversations like ChatGPT, effectively serving as a grandchild. It initiates conversations with seniors on various topics and reminds them to take their medication at set times.
In Gwanak District, an AI counselor named 'Koi' was piloted last month, allowing novice parents to seek 24-hour childcare advice. A resident who experienced the service left feedback, noting, 'It was good because I could honestly share concerns that are difficult to discuss with human counselors.'
◇If you light a cigarette in a no-smoking area, AI will say 'Please stop smoking'
AI has also entered the realm of regulation. Gangnam District introduced a parking enforcement system last year using AI to prevent 'valet parking' in resident priority parking areas, where visitors to nearby restaurants or cafes would secretly park.
Previously, even if district office staff enforced regulations, it took a long time to call a tow truck to remove illegally parked vehicles, causing inconvenience for residents. This system uses cameras installed in parking spaces to recognize vehicle license plates from any angle. If a car that is not a resident's attempts to park, a red light illuminates, and an enforcement alert voice is broadcast.
In Seocho District, signs for 'Seocho AI Smoking Zero' have been installed in three no-smoking areas, including near the Banpo-dong Express Bus Terminal. Measuring 40 cm wide, 18 cm tall, and 28 cm high, these signs can be installed in any area frequently receiving smoking-related complaints. The cameras embedded in the signs recognize individuals smoking nearby and broadcast warnings stating, 'Our precious families are suffering. Please stop smoking.'
A Seocho official noted, 'Although 14 regulation personnel is a considerable number, the area is large, making it difficult, and there are gaps in enforcement during the night.' He added, 'AI operates 24/7.'
◇Sometimes sold as an AI device for 40 million won
New services that appear to have little relation to AI have also been introduced. The Eunpyeong District recently announced the pilot installation of AI-based unmanned bottle recycling machines at the Bulkwang 2-dong and Yeokchon-dong community centers. These machines can sort transparent PET bottles that are easy to recycle from colored PET bottles that are difficult to recycle and automatically crush them.
Eunpyeong District officials explained that the Public Procurement Service has registered this device as an 'innovative product' and that Eunpyeong applied to have it selected for installation. The manufacturer of this device states on the Public Procurement Service's website, 'We provide monitoring software to track collection information in real-time.' The price of one of these devices is 39.6 million won.