The first “robot suicide” has just been documented in South Korea

The mysterious destruction of a worker robot has led many to believe that the first “robot suicide” has just taken place in South Korea.

Taking place in Gumi, the second largest city in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, a civil servant robot by Bear Robotics was reportedly seen circling an invisible object before diving down a 2-meter-tall staircase — almost if by choice. The eerie thing is that this “Robot Supervisor” was programmed to travel between floors using the elevator.

Gumi City’s first civil servant robot was found unresponsive after falling down a staircase, dubbed the country’s first robot “suicide.” “Robot Administrator” by Bear Robotics worked efficiently from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Theories range from mechanical failure to overwork. pic.twitter.com/zZkFzvDYPf

— Nextshark (@NextShark) July 9, 2024

As a country that heavily incorporates robots in its workforce, South Korea is accustomed to having robots as employees, and this particular robot even had its own key card ID. Loved by co-workers as a “diligent” comrade, “Robot Supervisor” started work in August 2023, worked a 9-6 work schedule, and was responsible for delivering documents throughout the building.

As silly as it sounds, some experts are suggesting that the robot may have had an emotional breakdown, or maybe have been overworked/overused to the point where it had a malfunction. This story has since caused quite a stir and people are curious to learn what the exact cause was to make the robot speed off the staircase to its demise. Parts have been collected for a thorough diagnosis, but in the meantime, the internet is sending its tributes to the fallen machine.

(Image: Bear Robotics)