A humanoid robot appears as a traffic police officer in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province. Photo: Courtesy of Shenzhen Evening News

A humanoid robot bearing the words "Shenzhen traffic police" on its suit, featuring a futuristic design, has recently taken to the streets in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, drawing widespread attention from local residents.

The "robot officer" has been deployed during morning rush hours at the busy intersection of Wuhe Avenue and Yabao Road in the southern Chinese city, according to local media outlet Shenzhen Evening News on Tuesday.

Unlike earlier roadside robots used mainly for public education, the new device now stands on a traffic command platform in the middle of the intersection. Rather than simply playing safety reminders, the robot performs traffic-control gestures synchronized with traffic lights through high-precision joint modules.

Equipped with a visual AI recognition system in its "eyes," the robot can monitor traffic conditions at the intersection and replicate standard police hand signals, including gestures for going straight, turning and stopping.

While directing traffic, the robot also carries an automated warning function. When the system detects behaviors such as electric scooter riders not wearing helmets or non-motor vehicles stopping beyond the line, it emits a clear whistle and performs corresponding gestures to issue warnings. The process forms a cycle from detection to alert to guidance, aimed at maintaining order during busy peak hours.

The upgrade is part of Shenzhen's broader push to adopt smart traffic management, the report said. Bantian District, where the robot is being piloted, is known as a major technology hub and home to numerous high-tech companies, creating an environment with strong innovation capacity and high public acceptance of new technologies.

From first appearing on the streets earlier this year during the Spring Festival travel rush, reminding pedestrians and drivers about road safety, to its new role directing traffic at intersections, the humanoid robot is seen as a step forward in Shenzhen's efforts to promote a smart policing system and build a model of future urban governance in the city.

 According to the report, the robot "traffic officer" may in the future assist with tasks such as drunk-driving inspections, preliminary accident handling, and the intelligent identification and evidence collection of traffic violations after further technological upgrades.

Global Times