‘China Is Living In 2052': Humanoid Robot Directs Traffic In Shanghai
China has once again made headlines for its futuristic technology, this time with a traffic-controlling 'robot cop' in Shanghai. A video shared online shows the humanoid robot, nicknamed Little Tiger, managing traffic on a busy street while wearing a reflective vest and guiding commuters with hand signals.
According to the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's Traffic Management Department, the robot is currently in its trial phase, designed to gain 'real-world learning experience for traffic management scenarios." The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on August 3, quickly went viral, gaining over 7,300 views and sparking mixed reactions from netizens worldwide.
Some praised China's innovation and suggested that other countries adopt similar technology.
'It should be implemented everywhere to reduce corruption of traffic officials and RTO offices," one user wrote.
Others expressed concern about job losses and overreliance on machines, with comments like, 'Technology is good, but what about humans losing jobs?" and 'Metal's in charge now. No bribes, just bytes."
The robot, officially named Xiao Hu (Little Tiger), is built to mimic the appearance and behaviour of a real traffic officer, as per the Times of India. Wearing an oversized white helmet, LED tube lighting, and reflective yellow fabric, Xiao Hu uses hand gestures and voice instructions such as 'red light, please stop" to direct both pedestrians and vehicles.
Its movements and verbal commands have been carefully modelled after real Chinese traffic police officers. Beyond traffic control, Xiao Hu can also assist pedestrians with directions and provide basic information about traffic laws.
Four Years in the Making
Developed over four years, Xiao Hu represents China's push to integrate advanced AI and robotics into daily life. Officials say the trial is aimed at testing how the robot performs in real urban conditions before wider deployment. If successful, these robot cops could be used in busy areas or during large public events where human officers are often stretched thin, the Times of India states.
While this innovation is impressive, it also raises questions about the future role of humans in such jobs.
A Glimpse Into the Future
China has already showcased numerous high-tech creations, from dancing robots and mosquito-sized drones to AI-powered humanoids playing football. With Xiao Hu, it appears the country is moving even closer to a sci-fi-like reality where robots work alongside, and potentially replace, human counterparts in certain roles.
For now, the 'robot cop' remains in its trial stage, but its presence on Shanghai's streets is already giving the world a glimpse of what urban life could look like in the not-so-distant future.
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First Published:
August 12, 2025, 14:06 IST
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