A NEW AI-powered traffic robot has begun directing vehicles at a busy Shenzhen intersection, marking a significant advancement in urban automation, according to a Shenzhen Evening News report yesterday.

Positioned at the junction of Wuhe Boulevard and Yabao Road in Longgang District, the humanoid robot officer manages traffic flow, detects violations, and issues polite voice warnings — all without the presence of human traffic police on site.

Dressed in a standard traffic police uniform, the robot appears strikingly human from a distance. Up close, its sleek metallic design and futuristic demeanor have turned it into a local celebrity, with pedestrians frequently stopping to capture photos of the cyberpunk-inspired scene.

Equipped with a visual AI recognition system, the robot monitors real-time activity at the crossing. High-precision joint modules enable it to replicate standard traffic police gestures, synchronizing its movements with traffic light changes to guide vehicles in going straight, turning, or stopping. When the light turns green, it performs a go-straight gesture while broadcasting a clear reminder for drivers to obey traffic rules.

The robot also automatically detects violations such as e-bike riders not wearing helmets or non-motor vehicles stopping beyond the line. Upon detection, it emits a sharp whistle and follows up with standardized corrective gestures.

Local traffic police describe the deployment as a key example of Shenzhen’s broader push toward smart transportation. By automating routine tasks, the robots help reduce the workload on human officers, allowing them to focus on more complex law enforcement duties.

Authorities plan to deploy robots to assist with drunk driving checks, preliminary accident scene handling, and intelligent identification and evidence collection of traffic violations.

According to Xinhua News Agency, similar robotic officers have appeared in cities including Chengdu and Hangzhou.

These humanoid units join existing robotic assistants that patrol streets alongside human police. China’s embodied intelligence industry is expected to reach a market size of US$57 billion by 2030.          (SD News)