By Uyen Nguyen
Video = Neubility

"A weapon threat has been detected."

An alarm blares at the entrance to an exhibition hall as a patrol robot detects an armed individual using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered video analysis. Moments later after the person collapses to the floor, an announcement gives an alert that "a fall has been detected."

Recognizing a potential emergency, the robot immediately transmits live footage and location data to the control center.

This was part of a simulation on Oct. 22 of Hyundai AutoEver's MobED patrol robot at the Korea Police World Expo (KPEX) held at the convention center Songdo Convensia in Incheon's Yeonsu-gu District.

Visitors on Oct. 22 watch a demonstration of Hyundai AutoEver's patrol robot MobED at the Korea Police World Expo held at the convention center Songdo Convensia in Incheon's Yeonsu-gu District. (Uyen Nguyen)

Equipped with four independently moving wheels, MobED keeps its chassis level while navigating slopes and uneven terrain, patrolling blind spots difficult for fixed surveillance cameras to monitor. In case of emergency, it can also transport its onboard automated external defibrillator (AED) to the scene.

From patrol robots and specialized vehicles to anti-drone equipment, KPEX showcased how cutting-edge technologies are transforming public safety and law enforcement in the country. The expo was jointly hosted from Oct. 21-24 by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) and Incheon Metropolitan City under the theme "A New Era of K-policing with AI & Robotics."

The patrol robots showcased at the exhibition are deployed in real-life police and public safety operations.

The autonomous patrol robot Sunlabot makes its rounds at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul. (Neubility)

Sunlabot, an autonomous patrol robot with technology from the domestic robotics company Neubility, runs around the clock at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul to protect the nation's cultural heritage and visitors. It detects fires, medical emergencies and other unusual situations, helping safety management there.

In addition, high-tech vehicles for supporting police operations in the field also drew attention.

An unmanned small patrol vehicle (top) and the exterior and interior of an on-site command vehicle (below) are shown on Oct. 22 at the Korea Police World Expo at the convention center Songdo Convensia in Incheon's Yeonsu-gu District. (Uyen Nguyen)

An unmanned small police car is designed to operate on roads without a driver and carry out tasks including patrolling, traffic control and accident response. Pilot runs are planned for next year.

Another device displayed was an on-site command vehicle used to coordinate police operations at crowded venues such as festivals and large scale events. Its large monitor in the interior conducts real-time monitoring of situational awareness, communications equipment and a meeting area.

Other specialized police vehicles on display included those for riot control to manage crowds at protests and rallies and armored and barricade models.

Anti-drone technology that detects and counters unauthorized drone activity was another highlight of the exhibition.

A portable anti-drone gun, which uses radio frequency jamming to counter enemy drones, is on display on Oct. 22 at the Korea Police World Expo at the convention center Songdo Convensia in Incheon's Yeonsu-gu District. (Uyen Nguyen)

Anti-drone equipment for detecting and countering unauthorized drones was also showcased. Key examples included scanners that detect drone signals, jammers that disrupt radio frequencies to restrict drone operations and portable devices designed to disable drones.

"Advances in AI and robotics present new opportunities to enhance safety and efficiency in policing operations," said Park Hyun Soo, senior superiorintendent general of the KNPA's Future Policing Policy Bureau. "We will identify policing solutions for public safety and support the global expansion of high-quality 'K-policing' products by combining frontline operational experience with innovative technologies from the private sector."

uyen81@korea.kr