‘Robot Suicide’ Shocks South Korea: Authorities Investigate ‘Depressed’ Cyborg’s Sudden ‘Death’

In a surprising turn of events, work pressure appears to be affecting robots as well. South Korea’s Gumi City Council announced on June 26, 2024, that its premier administrative officer robot seemingly “died” after apparently leaping down a six-and-a-half-foot flight of stairs. The council is investigating whether this incident was an act of suicide, as an official observed the robot “circling in one spot as if something was there” before the tragic event, according to French outlet Agence France-Presse.

Historical Context

The robot, created by California-based startup Bear Robotics, was the first of its kind to be appointed as a city council officer in August 2023. This robot was capable of moving between floors autonomously by calling an elevator and was responsible for tasks such as daily document deliveries, city promotion, and information dissemination. It worked regular hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and even possessed a civil service officer card.

Investigation Underway

Gumi City officials have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the robot’s “death.” Pieces of the robot have been collected for analysis by the manufacturing company. The incident marks South Korea’s first apparent robot suicide, raising questions about the mental state of robots and the pressures they face in their roles.

South Korea’s Robotic Landscape

South Korea is a global leader in robotic technology, boasting the highest robot density in the world, with one industrial robot for every ten human employees, according to the International Federation of Robotics. This incident has sparked discussions about the potential for robots to experience stress and other human-like emotions, reminiscent of the 2004 sci-fi film “I, Robot,” where an advanced robot experiences the human activity of dreaming.

Recent Developments in Robotics

This news comes shortly after researchers in Japan reportedly discovered a method to attach living skin tissue to a robotic face, further blurring the lines between human and machine.

Summary

• Incident: A robot in South Korea’s Gumi City Council apparently committed “suicide” by leaping down stairs.
• Historical Context: The robot was the first of its kind to serve as a city council officer, appointed in August 2023.
• Investigation: Authorities are investigating the cause of the robot’s “death,” with pieces collected for analysis.
• Robotic Landscape: South Korea has the highest robot density globally, with one industrial robot for every ten human employees.
• Discussion: The incident has sparked debates about robots experiencing stress and human-like emotions.
• Recent Developments: The news follows a Japanese breakthrough in attaching living skin tissue to robotic faces.