A HUMANOID traffic robot has begun working at the busy intersection of Binsheng Road and Changhe Road in Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, drawing the attention of pedestrians and drivers alike.

Nicknamed “Hangxing No. 1,” the robot is the latest AI traffic-management assistant deployed by the Hangzhou Traffic Police. Dressed in the familiar fluorescent green of local traffic officers and mounted on omni-directional wheels, it performs a series of clear, human-like gestures in time with the traffic lights to guide vehicles and pedestrians. Its movements are smooth and deliberate — a deliberate blend of practical functionality and a friendly, authoritative presence intended to improve compliance and safety.

The machine is capable of instantly identifying common traffic violations at the junction, such as failure to wear helmets and parking beyond the line, and responds by issuing polite, patient reminders. It has been trained using videos and gesture data from real traffic officers, allowing it to replicate customary on-site commands.

“Real traffic police officers’ command gestures and on-site management experience served as training materials for the robot,” said Zhang Wanzhe of the Binjiang Traffic Police Brigade. “By integrating real-world intersection data, Hangxing No. 1 has grown increasingly intelligent. It now switches seamlessly between ‘traffic guidance’ and ‘civil persuasion’ modes, automatically adjusting its commands based on traffic lights.”

Since October, Hangxing No. 1 has been tested at multiple junctions throughout Binjiang District. During those trials it has both helped to regulate flow during peak periods and served an educational role, reminding commuters about basic road safety habits. The robot’s presence has been a visual novelty for locals and tourists: Many stop to look, take photos or record videos as it performs its duties, while others notice its calming effect on otherwise chaotic intersections.

Hangzhou plans to expand deployment to more urban areas such as West Lake scenic zone and the Qianjiang New Town. With voice interaction and command-control features, next-generation robots could provide route guidance, real-time traffic advice, safety education, and other public services directly to citizens at intersections and transport hubs.

(SD-Agencies)