A humanoid police robot patrols Shenzhen, captivating the public and bringing sci-fi to life. - Photo: SCMP composite/YouTube/sz.gov.cn
BEIJING: Humanoid robots have recently been deployed to patrol the streets alongside human police officers in southern China, capturing widespread public attention as they actively interact with the public.
These robots have recently taken centrestage on the streets of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, where they were spotted in high-visibility police vests performing patrol duties.
An online trending video showcases the robot walking in formation with police officers and enthusiastically shaking hands with people.
It waved to the crowd and executed voice commands, drawing in many onlookers and enlivening the city streets.
These sleek humanoid robots, designated as model PM01, were released on December 24, 2024.
Standing at 1.38 metres tall and weighing 40kg, they cost 88,000 yuan (US$12,000) each.
Despite their compact size, the robots are powered by an advanced reinforcement learning algorithm for movement, enabling them to walk naturally and smoothly like humans and to perform complex manoeuvres such as front flips.
Equipped with powerful chips and various sensors, including a LiDAR system - a device that uses lasers to measure distance and map their surroundings - these robots can accurately respond to commands and navigate through intricate environments.
A viral video showcases the PM01 robot, above, walking in formation with police officers and enthusiastically shaking hands with passers-by. - Photo: YouTube/CGTN
The PM01 was engineered by EngineAI, a Shenzhen-based startup founded in 2023.
The company has already unveiled several robot models, with the most groundbreaking one, the SE01, capable of executing intricate actions such as squatting, jumping, doing push-ups, and retrieving items.
Although the PM01 is currently in limited use within the Shenzhen police force, they assist officers with patrol duties, potentially easing their workload.
Similarly, in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, another wheel-equipped patrol robot has proven so effective in supporting police efforts that one successfully helped reunite a lost three-year-old child with their family.
The police robot generated significant interest after videos were shared on YouTube.
One netizen remarked: “This is the first robot from China that walks upright like a human.”
Many Chinese online observers are eager to see more technologies integrated into their everyday lives.
One person expressed: “Beyond military and law enforcement applications, household service robots have the highest demand and greatest potential among humanoid robots. If they can replace housekeepers at an affordable price, we will enter a new era of humanoid robots.”
Another added: “Those light strips for eyes look reminiscent of RoboCop from the films. The panel on the chest also resembles that of Marvel’s superhero, Iron Man.” - South China Morning Post
