The future walks the beat

AI 'RoboCops' hit Chinese streets

Step aside, human officers — the newest traffic police in Hangzhou and Shanghai arrive with a sleek, robotic stride. Meet "Hangxing No.1" and "Xiao Hu," AI-powered humanoid robots now conducting real-world trials at some of China's busiest intersections.

More than mere novelties, these units, developed over four years and clad in reflective, LED-lit uniforms, are a serious experiment in next-generation urban management. Their mandate is clear: enhance safety and order.

Using advanced sensors, they issue automated alerts, provide spoken commands like "Red light, please stop," and replicate standard hand signals to guide both vehicles and pedestrians. In Shanghai's Huangpu District, "Xiao Hu" has already turned heads, seamlessly directing the chaotic flow of a bustling evening crossroads.

This debut marks a significant leap in smart city infrastructure, moving AI from control rooms directly onto the asphalt. Proponents see tireless, data-driven consistency, potentially reducing congestion and accidents.

Yet, their presence sparks a fundamental question for citizens worldwide: As this technology evolves from trial to potential mainstream deployment, would you trust an AI robot to manage the traffic in your city? The future of law-enforcement is here, and it's programmed to direct you across the street.