 |
| Hangxing No. 1 in action |
HANGZHOU, China — The morning commute in Hangzhou’s Binjiang district took a step into the future this week. Pedestrians and drivers at a bustling intersection on Binsheng Road were met by a new, robotic traffic director: Hangxing No. 1, an AI-powered traffic-control robot that officially started its pilot program on Monday, December 1.
Developed under the guidance of the Hangzhou Traffic Police Tactical Unit, the autonomous robot represents a significant move towards integrating smart technology into urban management. Its deployment aims to assist human officers and enhance safety at one of the district’s key thoroughfares.
More Than a Novelty: A Fully Functional Traffic Officer
Outfitted with an array of high-definition cameras and sensors, Hangxing No. 1 is designed for active duty. It doesn’t just stand there—it performs the full repertoire of standard traffic command gestures. According to Zhang Wanzhe, an officer with the Binjiang traffic police brigade, the robot’s movements were meticulously trained using motion data from real traffic police.
“Its gestures for ‘go straight’ and ‘stop’ are precise and clear, learned directly from our officers’ own motions,” Zhang explained. The robot is also capable of blowing a digital whistle and operates in seamless synchronization with the existing traffic-light system, ensuring a cohesive flow of instructions.
For a closer look at Hangxing No. 1’s first day on the job, a report from CGTN details its initial interactions and public reaction at the Binsheng Road intersection.
A Sharp AI Eye for Real-Time Violations
The robot’s value extends beyond basic direction. Its core intelligence lies in its ability to identify traffic violations in real time. Its vision system continuously scans the intersection, instantly detecting common infractions such as:
- Riders on electric bicycles not wearing helmets
- Vehicles creeping over the stop line
- Pedestrians attempting to jaywalk
Upon detection, Hangxing No. 1’s intelligent voice system activates, issuing immediate and polite audio reminders to the individuals involved. This instant feedback loop is intended to correct behavior on the spot, potentially preventing accidents before they happen.
Built to Learn and Evolve
Perhaps the most forward-thinking aspect of Hangxing No. 1 is its adaptive AI model. It is designed for continuous machine learning, meaning its ability to recognize complex traffic scenarios and violations will improve the more it operates at real intersections.
While its current role is focused on management and basic reminders, authorities have outlined ambitious upgrade paths. Plans are in place to equip the robot with Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities. This future iteration could transform it into an interactive public service point, capable of offering road directions, providing tailored safety education, and engaging in more complex voice dialogues with citizens.
Although the exact battery life of Hangxing No. 1 was not specified, similar patrol robots deployed in other Chinese cities and provinces typically boast an operational time of 6 to 8 hours on a single charge, suggesting it can handle a full day’s peak traffic periods.
The trial of Hangxing No. 1 marks a pioneering experiment in China’s smart city infrastructure. As it learns from the chaotic symphony of urban traffic, this robotic officer may soon become a familiar and helpful face on the streets, pointing the way toward a new era of AI-assisted public safety and urban management.