A traffic robot directs traffic at an intersection. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

A fleet of AI-powered traffic police robots deployed in Hangzhou has drawn widespread attention after China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted them on social media, noting that robot traffic officers are becoming a routine part of urban life in Chinese cities.

In Hangzhou, 15 intelligent traffic robots — forming China's first dedicated robot traffic enforcement team — have been stationed at key roads near West Lake and surrounding areas since the May Day holiday. The units assist with non-motor vehicle guidance, pedestrian management, traffic instruction, and tourist assistance.

At a busy intersection in central Hangzhou, one robot recently reminded an electric scooter rider to move back behind the stop line using voice alerts and hand gestures, illustrating its role in real-time traffic guidance.

Equipped with multilingual inquiry functions, the robots can answer questions about directions, nearby facilities, public transport, and emergency reporting. They also provide basic legal and traffic education services for residents and visitors.

Beyond public service, the robots are integrated with traffic signal systems, enabling millisecond-level synchronization to perform standardized gestures such as stopping, turning, and straight-ahead instructions. This allows them to communicate clear and consistent traffic commands to both drivers and pedestrians.

The deployment strategy varies by location: in tourist-heavy areas such as West Lake and the zoo, robots focus on guiding pedestrians and offering navigation help, while in major urban intersections they emphasize enforcement of non-motor vehicle regulations, including illegal parking, helmet violations, and overloading.

The traffic robot is on duty in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]