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News18
4 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
‘China Is Living In 2052': Humanoid Robot Directs Traffic In Shanghai
A robot cop nicknamed Little Tiger is turning heads in Shanghai as it directs traffic, sparking both excitement and concerns about AI replacing human jobs. 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. view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 12, 2025, 14:06 IST News viral 'China Is Living In 2052': Humanoid Robot Directs Traffic In Shanghai | Video Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New York Post
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- New York Post
Real-life ‘RoboCop' makes debut in Shanghai — directing traffic at bustling intersection
It's not armed, but this 'RoboCop' is keeping cars and pedestrians in line on Shanghai's busiest streets. A humanoid robot dressed like a police officer manned a busy intersection in Shanghai's bustling Huangpu District on Wednesday evening — drawing the attention of drivers and pedestrians alike. During the demonstration, the robot — sporting what looked like an oversize white helmet and a can't-miss outfit with LED tube lighting and reflective yellow fabric — gave voice instructions to pedestrians. Those included 'Red light, please stop,' and standard hand signals to direct foot traffic across the intersection. 3 Xiao Hu, a humanoid robot in police uniform, uses hand signals to direct foot traffic at a Shanghai intersection on Wednesday. Shanghai Let's Meet / Facebook The robot's physical movements and verbal commands are likewise modeled on traditional traffic policing practices in China. The appearance of the robot — nicknamed 'Xiao Hu' (pronounced 'Shyow Hoo') or 'Little Tiger' — marked a trial phase rather than an official deployment, according to the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's Traffic Management Department. In addition to directing traffic, Xiao Hu can provide directions to pedestrians and answer basic questions related to traffic laws. 3 Crowds gather as robot traffic cop Xiao Hu issues voice prompts and manages nighttime traffic in downtown Shanghai. Shanghai Let's Meet / Facebook The Shanghai Public Security Bureau's Traffic Management Department said the robot's appearance on was part of a 'real-world learning exercise for traffic management scenarios.' Developed over four years, the robot is still undergoing testing. But officials appear eager to eventually use the machines to replace human officers in heavily trafficked areas or during large-scale events. 3 The humanoid robot Xiao Hu guides pedestrians during a real-world trial on East Nanjing Road. Shanghai Let's Meet / Facebook No timeline has been announced for a broader deployment of the robot, and officials did not comment on whether Xiao Hu or similar machines will be introduced in other districts of the city. The introduction of Xiao Hu comes amid broader efforts in China to incorporate automation and AI into public safety and governance. The Shanghai Public Security Bureau said the robot represents 'a new technological approach to traffic control,' suggesting that further innovations may be introduced as the city continues to develop its smart city infrastructure.
