Police officers patrol along the Bai Causeway with their AI assistants. [Photo/Tide News]

During the Qingming Festival holiday, visitors to Hangzhou's West Lake experienced a new level of safety as AI-powered police units teamed up with unmanned patrol vehicles, robotic dogs and drones.

This innovative police force, launched in late March by the West Lake scenic area public security bureau, made its holiday debut along the popular Broken Bridge-Bai Causeway route.

With blooming peach blossoms and willows attracting large crowds, the area saw a surge in tourists. Police officer Wang Zhiyu and his colleagues patrolled the scenic zone alongside their "cyber partners", which quickly became a highlight for visitors. The unmanned vehicles provided rapid response capabilities, drones conducted aerial monitoring and broadcast safety reminders, while robotic dogs navigated narrow paths and complex terrain, offering two-way communication and emergency support.

The AI-assisted system has significantly improved efficiency in handling emergencies, particularly in locating missing persons — a common issue during peak travel periods.

In a recent rescue near Lingyin Temple, the coordinated use of drones with thermal imaging, robotic dogs and patrol vehicles enabled officers to locate a missing 75-year-old man within 20 minutes, reducing search time by nearly two-thirds compared with traditional methods.

As part of Hangzhou's broader smart policing initiative, the integration of advanced technologies is providing comprehensive security for visitors, ensuring that the beauty of West Lake is safeguarded with precision and innovation.

The innovative police force. [Photo/Tide News]