HEFEI — Chinese cities are increasingly turning to AI-powered “RoboCops” to manage traffic, with humanoid robots now assisting police officers at busy intersections. In Wuhu, Anhui Province, a robot officer identified as “Intelligent Police Unit R001” has been stationed to monitor traffic, issue warnings, and help enforce road safety.
The robot, dressed in a police uniform and reflective vest, is integrated with the city’s traffic signal system. It can perform standard traffic command gestures in sync with changing lights, while high-definition cameras and voice-broadcasting technology allow it to detect violations and alert cyclists and pedestrians in real time.
Local police say the robot can operate around the clock, easing workloads during peak hours and extreme weather. It is also mobile, capable of navigating independently to designated locations, identifying illegal parking, and conducting road monitoring.
The deployment in Wuhu follows similar initiatives in Chengdu and Hangzhou, where robotic officers — including quadruped, wheeled, and humanoid models — have been introduced to patrol streets alongside human counterparts. Authorities describe the rollout as part of China’s broader effort to apply embodied intelligence and advanced robotics to public services.
A report from the Development Research Center of the State Council projects that China’s embodied intelligence industry could reach 400 billion yuan (about 57.1 billion U.S. dollars) by 2030 and exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2035.
AiMOGA Robotics, the manufacturer of “Intelligent Police Unit R001,” said its robots have already been deployed in more than 100 scenarios, including reception, security patrols, and public services. General manager Zhang Guibing noted that real-world use is critical for improving performance, as operational data helps accelerate development.
