Hangzhou, China has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in traffic management: ‘Hangxing 1’, a humanoid robot designed to alleviate congestion in the bustling tech hub. Deployed in December, this marks the city’s first foray into using robotics to directly manage traffic flow.
Standing at 1.8 meters tall, Hangxing 1 is powered by artificial intelligence and equipped with an array of cameras and sensors. The robot is capable of performing standard traffic directing gestures, such as signaling vehicles to stop or proceed. It can also detect traffic violations, including failure to wear helmets, stopping beyond designated lines, and pedestrians crossing outside marked crosswalks. Upon detecting an infraction, the robot issues audible warnings.
The robot’s movements, including hand signals for ‘stop’ and ‘go’, are modeled after real-life police officers, ensuring a natural and easily understandable form of communication. Hangxing 1 can also utilize a digital whistle and synchronize with the city’s existing network of traffic signals. This allows seamless integration into the current traffic control infrastructure.
Developed by the traffic police tactics unit, the robot aims to address the ongoing challenges of managing traffic flow in Hangzhou, a city with an estimated population of approximately 12 million. The deployment of Hangxing 1 represents a significant step towards leveraging technology to improve urban mobility and safety.
