An AI-driven behavioral research technology is currently undergoing testing in Seoul to detect and address challenging behaviors in individuals with developmental disabilities. The trial will be hosted at the Jongno Lifelong Education Center for the Developmentally Disabled, facilitated by SK Telecom (SKT), a telecommunications division of a prominent South Korean conglomerate.
Utilizing CCTV cameras integrated with advanced vision AI technology from SKT, the system aims to identify and analyze various patterns of challenging behaviors exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities. These behaviors include kicking, punching, pushing, pulling, falling, self-harm such as hitting one’s head, lying down, running, straying, and jumping.
The significance of this initiative lies in the fact that Seoul is home to approximately 36,000 individuals with developmental disabilities, constituting nearly a tenth of the city’s disabled population. These individuals encompass a diverse range of conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder. Their challenging behaviors often stem from frustration, posing risks to both themselves and those around them.
Constant supervision and meticulous documentation of these behaviors prove to be challenging. SKT emphasizes the necessity of a proactive treatment program that can swiftly identify the triggers of such behaviors, respond promptly, and provide necessary support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, enabling them to lead stress-free lives.
The Seoul government endorses the implementation of SKT’s vision AI technology, anticipating that the insights and data gathered will inform the development of a data-driven cultural action plan and effective solutions. This initiative aligns with the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan for Lifelong Care for People with Developmental Disabilities, introduced in 2018.
Looking ahead, SKT plans to enhance the capabilities of its security system to swiftly detect and address challenging behaviors exhibited by both young individuals and the elderly. This endeavor reflects a broader trend where SKT collaborated with the Seoul National University Hospital in 2021 to enhance its perception AI systems. These technologies are also utilized in a laboratory established for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder in infants and young children.
Furthermore, SK Telecom has partnered with the Catholic Medical Center of Catholic University of Korea to develop comprehensive AI solutions, including incident response mechanisms that leverage vision AI to prevent accidents in medical settings.
Notably, the South Korean government previously trialed an AI-powered visual identification system using CCTV cameras to track individuals infected with COVID-19 last year, showcasing the diverse applications of AI technologies in public health and safety initiatives.
