Chinese firms deploy humanoid robots to support traffic police in hazardous conditions

Chinese firms have developed humanoid police robots designed to assist traffic officers, as they race to apply artificial intelligence-powered machines into real-world situations.

Robotics startup AiMOGA, incubated by Chinese automaker Chery, on Wednesday (August 19) showcased a robot which was designed to direct traffic at the World Robot Conference in Bejing, China.

Chery International President Zhang Guibing said demand for robots is expected to grow in public service roles, particularly in hazardous or challenging environments.

Meanwhile, at West Lake in Hangzhou, a city in eastern China, visitors were also using traffic management robots as tour guides, obtaining directions and sightseeing information through voice interactions.

The traffic management robots were developed by SUPCON's Intelligent Unmanned Systems Innovation Center. General Manager Cao Hui said the robots can handle repetitive tasks and public guidance duties, allowing police officers to focus on accident response, dispute resolution and emergency situations.

Camera: Alessandro Diviggiano, Xihao Jiang, Wang Shubing; Editing, production and writing: Alessandro Diviggiano/Reuters