China tests robotic traffic police on roads

China has deployed robotic traffic police officers in Hangzhou, marking a new phase in the integration of automation into urban governance. The initiative involves humanoid robots developed by local technology firm Supcon Information, which are being tested in real-world conditions to assist human officers with routine traffic enforcement tasks. According to Reuters, the pilot project aims to offload repetitive duties onto machines, reducing the workload on human personnel while enhancing compliance with traffic regulations. The robot model, known as the Shenzhi T2, stands 1.88 meters tall and weighs 98 kilograms. It is equipped with cameras, radar systems, and its own computing hardware, enabling it to move autonomously between designated positions at intersections using a four-wheeled platform. The device can detect violations such as e-bike riders without helmets, passengers riding without permission, vehicles crossing stop lines, and pedestrians jaywalking. When these infractions occur, the robot uses loudspeakers to instruct road users to correct their behavior. If three warnings are ignored, the robot records evidence and forwards it to the relevant authorities. The T2 can perform standardized hand signals used by traffic police through its arms. It is directly connected to traffic light control systems, allowing it to synchronize its movements with signal phases. A display on its upper body provides passersby with information on directions, parking options, and traffic rules. In emergencies, the robot can establish a direct link with law enforcement. According to Supcon, the robotic traffic officers operate daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. “The robot does not get tired,” said Cao Hui, director of Supcon’s Center for Unmanned Systems, speaking to Reuters. Since May, 15 T2 units have been deployed in Hangzhou. Supcon reports that nearly 50 traffic robots are currently active in approximately eight cities across three Chinese provinces. By the end of this year, the number is expected to rise to almost 200. Supcon has already drawn a positive assessment of the robots' performance. As of early July, the 15 units in Hangzhou had accumulated around 5,200 hours of operation, issued more than 170,000 warnings, regulated traffic for over 500 hours, and provided more than 8,000 pieces of information. The company claims that violations such as riding e-bikes without helmets and crossing stop lines have decreased by more than 40 percent monthly. The deployment of the T2 exemplifies China's broader effort to transition robotics from laboratory settings into practical applications. China aims to become the world leader in humanoid robots within the next five years and supports the industry through favorable credit terms, office space, and government contracts. Local authorities serve as early adopters, providing real-world environments for testing and implementation. Chinese manufacturers are already selling robots in larger quantities. For example, Unitree, another Hangzhou-based manufacturer, delivered more than 5,500 humanoid robots to end-users in 2025. The company raised approximately 6.1 billion yuan (around 780 million euros) during its recent initial public offering. This indicates growing confidence in the commercial viability of such technologies within China's rapidly evolving tech landscape.