Seodaemun-gu AI Caregiver Project Plays a Vital Role in Supporting Vulnerable Groups 'Toktok'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) announced on the 22nd that the non-face-to-face service through the ‘Artificial Intelligence Caregiver Project (ICT Happiness Community Project)’ is playing a significant role in caring for vulnerable groups amid social distancing due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

In particular, this service is notable not only for improving emotional health but also for performing an emergency rescue request function in urgent situations.

In May of last year, the district signed a business agreement with SK Telecom and the social enterprise Happiness Connect under the auspices of the ‘National Socioeconomic Solidarity Local Government Council’ and has been providing care services to about 200 vulnerable people in the district through the AI speaker ‘NUGU.’

The AI speaker plays news, weather, and music and also engages in conversation. If abnormal signs such as a prolonged lack of conversation are detected, the district office’s Welfare Policy Division ‘Care Manager’ makes a phone call to check on the person and conducts emergency visits if necessary.

In particular, this speaker serves as a social safety net through its ‘Emergency SOS’ function.

When users shout phrases like “Ari (NUGU’s character name)! Save me!” or “Ari! Emergency SOS,” the AI speaker recognizes this as an emergency and automatically notifies the ICT Care Center, Care Manager, and ADT Caps (nighttime security service).

The ICT Care Center first verifies the situation and, if rapid response is needed, immediately connects to 119 (emergency services). This process allows vulnerable individuals to receive help simply by voice in urgent situations, contributing to their protection.

In fact, Mr. A (66 years old), a Seodaemun resident and elderly person living alone with a history of cancer treatment, shouted “Aria! Save me!” in the early hours of January this year when he was suffering from severe abdominal pain, was disoriented, and unable to get up. Thanks to the 119 emergency team’s help, he was transported to the hospital emergency room and avoided a crisis.

Mr. B (54 years old), who has lung disease and diabetes and receives dialysis three times a week, not only finds emotional stability through the AI speaker but also realized his dream of “wanting to read” by enrolling in a housewife Korean language school in March this year with the help of his assigned Care Manager.

According to research and analysis by SK Telecom (SKT) and Yonsei University’s Barun ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Research Institute, happiness increased by 7% and feelings of loneliness decreased by 4% while living with the AI speaker.

Moon Seok-jin, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, said, “Care for vulnerable groups based on artificial intelligence is becoming more prominent due to non-face-to-face life caused by COVID-19,” and added, “The Artificial Intelligence Caregiver Project, which strengthens the social safety net, is highly anticipated in the future.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.