Smart traffic police robot directs traffic in Jingzhou, C China's Hubei

A smart traffic police robot named Xiao'an directs traffic in coordination with traffic lights at the center of the intersection outside the east gate of Jingzhou Ancient City, a national 4A-rated tourist attraction in Jingzhou, central China's Hubei Province.

A smart traffic police robot has joined officers on duty at a busy intersection in the Jingzhou Ancient City, a national 4A-rated tourist attraction in central China's Hubei Province, helping direct traffic and keep pedestrians safe.

The robot — named Xiao'an, standing 1.73 meters tall and designated JZ001 — began working at the intersection outside the east gate of Jingzhou Ancient City on the morning of Oct. 3.

The robot coordinates with traffic lights and uses standard hand signals to direct vehicles, while audio prompts remind drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic rules.

It also supplements the officers during busy periods, when holiday crowds and heavier vehicle traffic put added pressure on the intersection.

A smart traffic police robot named Xiao'an detects an electric bicycle rider not wearing a helmet and issues a voice reminder outside Jingzhou Ancient City, a national 4A-rated tourist attraction in Jingzhou, central China's Hubei Province.

"The east gate is a gateway to the ancient city. During the National Day holiday, the area sees a large influx of visitors, putting extra pressure on traffic management as vehicles and pedestrians share the road," said Peng Jiajun, an officer with the command and dispatch team of the traffic management department of the Jingzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau.

The robot is currently used mainly to help officers direct traffic and issue safety reminders. Because it can stay on duty for long stretches without tiring, it helps cover gaps during peak periods, Peng said.

Around 10 a.m. on Oct. 3, as the intersection grew busier, Xiao'an spotted an electric bicycle rider without a helmet and issued a voice reminder: "Attention, please! The electric bicycle rider in black up ahead, please put on your helmet."

Startled at first, the rider then smiled sheepishly, took a helmet out of the bicycle basket and put it on.

The robot can also detect violations such as bicycles and e-bikes crossing stop lines, or pedestrians running red lights, Peng said.

"For many visitors, this novel approach to traffic guidance is more readily accepted and makes safety messages more effective," Peng said.

Beyond traffic duty, Xiao'an answers visitors' questions and helps them find their way around Jingzhou Ancient City.

A smart traffic police robot named Xiao'an interacts with residents and visitors outside Jingzhou Ancient City, a national 4A-rated tourist attraction in Jingzhou, central China's Hubei Province.

Its distinctive appearance and interactive features have caught the attention of passersby, with children and tourists stopping to watch, interact with the robot and take photos.

A visitor surnamed Yi, from central China's Henan Province, said the robot's precise gestures and voice reminders made for a novel pairing of technology and a historic setting, and noted that traffic seemed to move more smoothly with it on duty.