On June 29, 2024, the Suicide Robot, which had been functioning as a city council officer since August 2023, was found in a destroyed state at the bottom of a staircase in the Gumi City Council building.
Witnesses reported that the robot was seen circling in one spot before it fell down six and a half feet of stairs, resulting in its “death”.
The Incident Suicide Robot
The Suicide Robot in question was designed and built by California-based Bear Robotics. It was equipped with advanced features, including the ability to call and use elevators autonomously
Suicide Robot Details
The exact circumstances leading to the robot’s fall remain unclear. However, it was observed “circling in one spot” before the incident, which might suggest a malfunction or a sensor error.
The Fall and Aftermath
The incident has garnered significant media attention, with local headlines asking, “Why did the diligent civil officer do it?”
Reactions and Implications
1Efficiency: Robots like the one employed by the Gumi City Council can perform repetitive and mundane tasks efficiently, allowing human workers to focus on more complex duties.
Pros of Robotic Integration
Malfunction Risks: As highlighted by this incident, robots can malfunction, sometimes with severe consequences.
The “Suicide Robot” of the Gumi City Council robot is a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with integrating robots into human environments.