The eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou has deployed a fully operational “robot police squadron” during the Labor Day holiday, marking a major step in the use of artificial intelligence in urban governance and public service delivery.
According to officials, 15 intelligent traffic management robots were placed at key intersections across the city on May 1 to assist with traffic regulation, pedestrian guidance and law enforcement support.
The initiative reflects China’s growing integration of AI-based systems into public administration, particularly in high-density urban environments.
The robots are equipped with advanced language models, real-time traffic data systems and visual recognition technology, enabling them to interact with citizens, issue instructions and monitor traffic violations.
In the popular West Lake scenic area, tourists can approach the robots, activate an interactive “speak” function and receive instant navigation assistance, including walking routes and public transport directions displayed through voice and visual guidance.
At busy intersections, the robots function as enforcement assistants by detecting violations such as electric scooters crossing stop lines or riders failing to wear helmets. Upon identifying an offence, they issue immediate audio warnings and transmit data to central control units for further action.
Officials said the machines are also capable of performing standardized traffic control gestures synchronized with traffic signals, including instructions such as “stop,” “go” and directional turns, ensuring smooth coordination between human and automated systems.
A traffic police officer in Hangzhou said the deployment has significantly reduced the workload of human officers by handling repetitive monitoring tasks, allowing personnel to focus on complex enforcement duties requiring human judgment.
Similar AI-driven traffic systems have also been introduced in other Chinese cities, including Kashgar in the Xinjiang region and Ordos, where robot officers assist in traffic control, safety awareness and patrol duties.
Experts say the development signals a broader shift toward “embodied AI” in governance, where robotic systems increasingly take part in everyday administrative and public safety functions.
Analysts believe such deployments may pave the way for expanded use of robotics in other sectors of public service across China in the coming years.