Ministry of the Interior and Safety Plans “Robot Consultant” To Assist Citizens

SEOUL, Aug. 10 (Korea Bizwire) — The government is making big plans to adapt to advances in technology. On August 9, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced a preliminary framework for incorporating artificial intelligence, big data and internet of things (IoT) to streamline government services.

One example of the government’s efforts is a proposed “robot consultant”. This program would serve as a personal aide of sorts for users when accessing government websites for documents and forms. By keeping track of individual users’ proclivities and commonly accessed features, the consultant would match the user’s needs with the necessary data. Furthermore, it would provide assistance by helping to answer any questions users might have.

This program would serve as a personal aide of sorts for users when accessing government websites for documents and forms. (Image: 123RF)

The appearance of “robot consultants” will not only be restricted to the digital sphere. At local community service centers, the ministry intends to place “humanoid robots” to provide additional assistance. 

Beyond the possible physical or digital emergence of robots, the ministry believes that the effective use of artificial intelligence and big data technology will not only be of benefit to citizens but also to government employees in their day to day work.

The government is making big plans to adapt to advances in technology. (Image: Yonhap)

Big data technology may even prove effective in curbing corruption by detecting policy violations and informing the necessary personnel.

The ministry also announced a 10-point “Smart Nation” initiative intended to create solutions to everyday problems using cutting-edge technology.

A focal point of the initiative will be to develop a digital service that will make furniture and home appliance disposal easier. When throwing out these types of goods, residents will capture what is being thrown out on their smartphones and pay the necessary fee for the removal using an app.

Additional planned developments include mobile apps that provide information on when public garbage bins are scheduled to be emptied and notification services that will provide confirmation that women and children have safely returned home. 

Ministry of the Interior and Safety Plans “Robot Consultant” To Assist Citizens. (Image: Yonhap)

Professor Yoon Yeong Min of Hanyang University spoke in favor of the plans, saying that “the central agent of government administration, the government employee, must change”. However, he emphasized the need for preparation before implementing any such changes. “Before contemplating on what kinds of services should be provided, there must first be a discussion on how workers, administration work and systems must change in relation to an ‘electronic’ government,” he said.

S.B. Woo (sbw266@koreabizwire.com)