South Korea information the world’s first robotic suicide

For a few years, people have dreamt of getting robots that may carry out duties too tedious and repetitive. Nevertheless, it appears machines can develop into overburdened as South Korea information the world’s first “robotic suicide.” 

CNBC reported a Gumi Metropolis Council administrative officer discovered the mechanical worker unresponsive after it threw itself down a flight of stairs. 

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Some witnesses stated the robotic employee was “circling in a single spot as if one thing was there” earlier than the incident. On the time of writing, authorities are conducting additional investigations. 

Robotic suicide: Exhaustion or malfunction?

India Instances says the robotic the machine got here from Bear Robotics, a California-based startup. It was a part of The Land of the Morning Calm’s formidable automation objectives. 

NDTV stated the bot began its “profession” in August 2023, and one of many coworkers stated it had been working “diligently.” It assisted with day by day duties like doc deliveries, selling town,  and disseminating info to residents.

On June 27, 2024, eyewitnesses reported uncommon habits earlier than the robotic suicide. The automaton was circling in a spot “as if one thing was there” compelling its habits.

At round 4:00 PM, employees discovered the damaged robotic mendacity within the stairwell between the primary and second flooring of the council constructing. 

In response, Day by day Mail stated native media contemplated on the potential causes of the robotic suicide. One questioned, “Why did the diligent civil officer do it?” 

One other requested whether or not the work was too laborious for the machine. Furthermore, netizens shared their opinions. “If the workload had been an excessive amount of, would he have spun round for a very long time after which rushed down the steps?”

“I pray that scrap metallic rests in peace,” stated an observer. However, officers imagine the incident might have occurred as a result of a navigational error, programming bug, or sensor failure.

The Worldwide Federation of Robotics says South Korea has 1,012 robots per 10,000 staff. Consequently, it’s the most automated nation on this planet in 2024 primarily based on robotic density. 

Nevertheless, the Gumi Metropolis Municipality has halted plans to deploy a further robotic within the wake of this unusual incident.