China Deploys Robot Police During Labor Day, Traffic is Monitored by AI

China is deploying robot police to help manage traffic during Labor Day. In Hangzhou, 15 robots are stationed at major intersections, crowded areas, and the West Lake tourist area.

According to a Xinhua report quoted on Monday, May 4, the robot police squad began duty on May 1 in the center of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Its task is to regulate non-motorized vehicles, help pedestrians, give directions, and support traffic police work.

In the tourist area, visitors can approach the robot's interactive screen, press the "I want to talk" button, then ask for directions. The robot then gives the option of a walking route or public transportation via voice and screen display.

At city intersections, robots use visual recognition algorithms to monitor traffic violations 24 hours a day. Violations monitored include electric scooters passing a stop line and riders not wearing helmets.

If a violation is found, the robot immediately gives a voice warning. Violation data can also be sent to the command center for follow-up.

The robot can also regulate traffic flow. The system is connected to traffic lights to the millisecond level. Its movements follow eight standard traffic police commands, including walking, stopping, turning left, and turning right.

Hangzhou Traffic Police Officer Chen Sanchuan said the presence of robots reduces the workload of human police. Robots can work eight to nine hours a day to handle routine and repetitive tasks.

Similar deployments have also been made in other cities. In Kashgar, Xinjiang, brightly-uniformed robots regulate traffic at major intersections since the start of Labor Day. The robot wears a high-definition camera on its head and gives precise traffic signals.

In Ordos, Inner Mongolia, two robot police have been on duty since May 1. With Internet of Things and AI technology, the two regulate traffic, provide safety education, and conduct intelligent patrols.

Ordos traffic police officer Wu Qingyun said the use of robots helps increase traffic efficiency and reduce the need for personnel at intersections.

Robotics scientist Jiang Lei assessed the deployment of robot police in many cities shows that AI in the form of starting to participate in China's urban governance. According to Jiang, the new robot traffic police is just the beginning.

"This trend shows that the robot traffic police are just the beginning, with more industries in China ready to accelerate their intelligent transformation," said Jiang, quoted by Xinhua.