Japan employs AI to prevent suicides at train stations and buildings

Tokyo (ANTARA) - Around 40 train stations and commercial buildings in Japan have implemented an artificial intelligence (AI) suicide prevention system that has reportedly saved at least two lives. Tokyo-based technology firm Asilla Inc. developed the system by analysing behaviour captured by surveillance cameras to assess the likelihood of someone attempting suicide by jumping. The system monitors risky behaviours such as pacing or lingering near station platform edges or building rooftops. When detecting such signs, the system alerts security personnel and station staff, with warnings sometimes issued via public address systems. In one instance, the system detected a man in a restricted area of a commercial facility. After being approached by security, the man admitted he intended to jump, according to the company. In another case, a child was seen lingering near a barrier on an upper floor of a building. Security staff found the child writing a suicide note. Since 2022, Asilla has collaborated with around 200 commercial facilities and other organisations to train the AI system using approximately seven million surveillance camera recordings. Through this process, the system can not only detect suicide signs but also other emergencies such as people falling ill, remaining motionless for extended periods, or violent incidents. The company states the technology is now deployed at around 30 commercial facilities and 10 stations in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture.