On May 11, at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul, members of the Seoul Metropolitan Police’s mobile unit conduct a patrol demonstration while wearing wearable robots. The robotic device, “WIM,” is designed to assist lower body movement and reduce physical strain. The National Police Agency plans to pilot the “K-Smart Policing” program—featuring advanced equipment such as drones, wearable robots, and electric bicycles—through June. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 11 (Korea Bizwire) — On a sunny spring afternoon in Seoul’s Yeouido Hangang Park, police officers outfitted with wearable robotic exoskeletons patrolled bustling recreational areas, turning heads among picnickers and joggers.
The futuristic gear—reminiscent of RoboCop—is part of a new initiative by the Seoul Metropolitan Police to bring advanced technology into community policing.
Launched this month, the “K-Smart Policing” pilot program runs through May 30 and incorporates wearable assistive robots, AI-powered drones, and eco-friendly mobility tools to enhance patrol effectiveness in high-traffic zones such as Yeouido, Saetgang Park, and nearby subway stations and shopping centers.
Four mobile patrol teams—comprising about 30 officers—are being deployed from noon to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Yeouido, a popular springtime destination, sees significant seasonal spikes in visitor numbers and crime reports. In the second quarter of 2024, the area attracted approximately 5.47 million visitors, with emergency calls rising 57% from the previous quarter.
On May 11, at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul, members of the Seoul Metropolitan Police’s mobile unit conduct a patrol demonstration while wearing wearable robots. The robotic device, “WIM,” is designed to assist lower body movement and reduce physical strain. The National Police Agency plans to pilot the “K-Smart Policing” program—featuring advanced equipment such as drones, wearable robots, and electric bicycles—through June. (Yonhap)
To handle the physical demands of daily patrols—often totaling around 20,000 steps while carrying 3 kg of gear—officers are now using “WIM S,” a 1.6 kg wearable robotic device developed by South Korean startup WeRobotics.
The exosuit can reduce the perceived weight of a 20 kg backpack by nearly 40%, and assists with walking, climbing stairs, and absorbing impact on declines.
“It felt awkward at first, but now I can really feel the difference, especially when running,” said patrol leader Captain Shin Seung-guk. “The robot adds real support.”
Alongside ground patrols, drones equipped with thermal imaging and real-time AI tracking are deployed to monitor otherwise inaccessible areas like riverside brush.
On May 11 at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul, an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police demonstrates a patrol using a drone equipped with thermal imaging capabilities. The National Police Agency is piloting the “K-Smart Policing” program—utilizing advanced technologies such as drones, wearable robots, and electric bicycles—through June. (Yonhap)
During a demonstration, a drone identified and tracked a mock theft suspect and located a simulated distressed individual hidden in thick undergrowth—tasks that would have been near impossible with the naked eye.
Police are also using electric bicycles and patrol boats to access areas where vehicles can’t go, establishing what they describe as a “three-dimensional patrol system” across land, air, and river.
“This K-Smart Policing initiative marks the first time advanced technologies have been integrated into public safety operations in central Seoul,” a police spokesperson said. “We aim to raise citizens’ sense of safety and make Yeouido a truly secure space.”
The pilot is expected to serve as a model for high-tech policing efforts in other urban centers across South Korea in the coming year.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
