Microsoft Kinect Protects Border Between North And South Korea

When Microsoft first launched its slick Kinect motion tracking and facial recognition system, it was hacked for all sorts of uses including reading sign language. It appears that yet another project that has nothing to do with gaming is taking advantage of the Kinect sensor. Word has surfaced that the Kinect is being used to patrol the border between North and South Korea.

The Kinect sensor is reportedly being used to scan the demilitarized zone that separates the two countries. The Kinect tech has been used in the area since last summer according to reports. The system is able to scan and identify anything that crosses into the DMZ.

The system can tell the difference between humans and animals. If the system detects a human trying to cross the DMZ, it will alert soldiers in a nearby outpost. The system was developed by a programmer from north Korea named Jae Kwan Ko.

Ko said that in the future the Kinect system could be used to detect heart rate and heat levels. It's not clear if the system being used is based on the Xbox 360 or the Xbox One. Presumably, it's the Xbox 360 since the Xbox One isn't available in South Korea yet.

SOURCE: GameSpot