Microsoft's motion-control Kinect technology is being used to monitor the border between North and South Korea, according to newly released documentation out of the Asian nation. South Korean programmer Jae Kwan Ko created a Kinect-based software system that is currently being used to scan the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the countries, it has been revealed.

　　A report from South Korean newspaper Hankooki (translated by Kotaku) reveals that the technology has been in place at the border since last summer but was only just recently announced to the public.

　　The system works by automatically identifying anything that crosses into the DMZ, and can even intelligently detect the difference between animals and humans. Upon the identification of a human crossing the border, the software alerts a close-by outpost.

　　In the report, Ko said, "I've never even thought of a game system performing national defense tasks." He explained that future iterations of the technology could detect heart rates and heat levels.

　　It's unclear if the Kinect-based security system is using the Xbox 360's original Kinect or the Xbox One's Kinect camera. The Xbox One has yet to be released in South Korea.

　　Kinect may have been designed with gaming in mind, but the technology has already seen numerous non-gaming applications. Government organizations like NASA are using Kinect for various research endeavors, and Microsoft's own research lab is looking into ways to leverage the technology to assist with sign language translation.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Ryse: Son of Rome - Video Review

　　How Alan Wake II Made Me Face My Fear of Horror Games

　　GameSpot's Top 10 Games of 2023Thompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - LoadoutFirearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Saeko Mukoda Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Eric Tomizawa Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Yu Nanba Character Spotlight Trailer

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter