China Deploys AI Robot as Traffic Police, Bribery by Officers Could Become a Thing of the Past

In a futuristic move, China has deployed a robot named Hangxing No.1 on the streets of Hangzhou as a traffic police officer. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), this robot directs pedestrians and vehicles to follow traffic rules, marking a new era in automated traffic management.

Hangxing No.1 was put on trial on city streets on Tuesday. The robot features high-definition cameras and advanced sensors, allowing it to detect traffic violations in real time. Its intelligent voice system reminds pedestrians and non-motorized vehicle users to comply with traffic regulations.

Immediate Alerts and Real-Time Assistance
According to bastillepost.com, a pedestrian reported that the robot immediately alerted them when they crossed a line by just half a meter. A motorcyclist stated that seeing the robot makes people stop automatically. Users believe this technology could reduce manpower costs while improving traffic discipline, potentially signaling the future of urban traffic management.

Integration with Traffic Lights
Hangxing No.1 is not just a stationary observer. It can coordinate with traffic lights and assist human officers in maintaining order, ensuring smooth traffic flow. Its mobility allows it to quickly reach different intersections, making traffic management easier. Officer Zhang Wanzhe noted that the robot currently operates in two modes: directing traffic from the center of the road and guiding pedestrians at intersections.

Future Upgrades
Plans are underway to equip Hangxing No.1 with large language models, enabling voice interaction and command-control capabilities. Social media videos already show the yellow-and-black robot managing traffic efficiently. American political commentator and influencer Jackson Hinkle shared videos of the robot in action on X.

A Trend in China
This is not the first instance of robot police in China. Similar robots, like Xiao Hu in Shanghai, have previously been seen controlling traffic, issuing instructions, and assisting pedestrians just like human officers. Hangxing No.1 is designed to mimic human police behavior, complete with hand gestures and voice commands, following the operational style of Chinese traffic police.

Visual Design
The robot wears a large white hat with LED lights and a yellow reflective vest. Its gestures and voice prompts guide pedestrians safely across streets and enforce traffic rules, ensuring public safety while minimizing human intervention.

With such AI-powered robots on the rise, corrupt practices like bribery by traffic officers could soon become a relic of the past, while urban traffic management moves toward a highly automated future.