Seocho-gu Strengthens COVID-19 Prevention Measures at Passenger Terminals During Chuseok Holiday

Emergency Deployment of AI Disinfection Robots at 3 Passenger Bus Terminals Ahead of Chuseok Holiday Mass Movement, Expansion of Thermal Imaging Camera Operation, and Emergency Transport System Inspection

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu (Mayor Eunhee Cho) has urgently deployed AI robots equipped with infrared cameras and facial recognition technology inside passenger bus terminals (Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City Terminal, Seoul Nambu Terminal) within the district to prevent the spread of COVID-19 ahead of the large-scale movement during the Chuseok holiday.

Additionally, the operation of thermal imaging cameras has been expanded during the Chuseok holiday period, allowing terminal users to check their body temperature before boarding buses, significantly strengthening quarantine activities to block COVID-19.

Since January, Seocho-gu has been operating thermal imaging cameras at six locations within passenger terminals to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With this enhanced quarantine measure, one AI quarantine robot has been deployed at each terminal, totaling three units. Furthermore, one thermal imaging camera has been newly installed each on the Gyeongbu and Honam lines during the Chuseok holiday, conducting temperature monitoring at eight locations in total.

The AI robot, approximately 1.2 meters tall, automatically tracks moving people nearby and measures body temperature through facial recognition. It can measure the temperature of 120 people per minute and detect suspected COVID-19 symptoms.

Moreover, it recognizes whether a mask is worn and its condition, providing voice guidance. If a mask is not worn, it says, “Please wear a mask,” and if the mask is worn improperly, it says, “Please wear your mask properly.”

When a face is shown to the AI robot, the temperature measurement result immediately appears on the monitor, allowing ordinary citizens to self-diagnose potential virus infection. If abnormal symptoms are detected, the on-site staff contacts the public health center and promptly arranges emergency transport, strengthening the emergency transfer system.

Since May, Seocho-gu has been operating AI robots in the lobby of the district office, and since June, they have been deployed in 51 elementary, middle, and high schools. Due to high user satisfaction, the operation has now expanded to passenger bus terminals, expecting to enhance the safety of terminal users.

Meanwhile, concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in the confined spaces of buses during the long Chuseok holiday, Seocho-gu is continuously consulting with terminal officials and transportation companies to make body temperature checks mandatory before boarding. The 25 transportation companies using Seoul Nambu Terminal will strengthen temperature checks for passengers.

Seocho-gu also plans to continue consultations with Central City Terminal and Seoul Express Bus Terminal.

Furthermore, Seocho-gu has proposed urgent administrative orders to central government agencies such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to make mandatory temperature checks before bus boarding for terminal users, exploring various measures to strengthen terminal quarantine.

Mayor Eunhee Cho of Seocho-gu stated, “We proactively introduced AI robots in line with the untact society caused by COVID-19,” adding, “We will strive to create a safe environment for travelers using the terminals during the Chuseok holiday by preventing infection spread inside terminals through advanced technology and strengthened quarantine measures.”

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