Wuhu City in Anhui province has launched a pioneering trial of AI-powered robot traffic officers this week, marking a significant step in China's smart city initiatives. The humanoid robot, which began duty on January 10, 2026, operates alongside human police officers at busy intersections, wearing standard police attire including a cap and reflective vest.
Equipped with advanced LiDAR sensors and 360-degree cameras, the machine can detect traffic violations in real time, analyze pedestrian flow patterns, and issue audible safety reminders through its integrated speaker system. Local authorities emphasize its role in promoting 'civilized driving behavior' while reducing risks for human officers during peak traffic hours.
The trial comes as Chinese cities increasingly adopt intelligent transportation systems. If successful, officials plan to expand the program to other urban centers across the Chinese mainland, potentially reshaping urban mobility management through human-machine collaboration.
