China is testing robot traffic officers in Hangzhou.
The 1.88-metre, 98-kg robots have no weapons or arrest powers, but can spot helmetless e-bike riders, extra passengers,vehicles crossing stop lines and pedestrians ignoring signals.
Made by SUPCON Information, the robots use cameras, radar and onboard computers to issue warnings, answer questions about traffic rules and directions, and contact police during emergencies. Their seven-jointed arms copy traffic officers’ signals.
Since May, 15 robots have issued more than 170,000 warnings, while SUPCON says some violations have fallen by over 40%. The robots work autonomously from 7 am to 6 pm and can operate for long periods without breaks. Nearly 50 robots are now working in eight Chinese cities and expects the number to reach about 200 by the end of the year.