While researchers debate the risks posed by increasingly autonomous artificial intelligence, some of these machines have already begun taking on tasks in public spaces in China. We are not talking about robots working inside factories; rather, they are being deployed at busy intersections to help manage traffic, identify violations, and provide guidance to pedestrians.

This development comes from Deep Robotics, which has begun testing its DR02 humanoid on the streets of Hangzhou—a Chinese city renowned for its technological advancement. In early October, the robots were positioned on busy thoroughfares and at tourist attractions, such as the Xixi National Wetland Park.

During these demonstrations, the DR02 instructs cyclists to stay behind the stop line, signals when traffic lights change, and identifies issues such as pedestrians crossing improperly or individuals riding without helmets. For now, however, the robots do not issue fines; their role is to assist human officers by using gestures and audible alerts to guide people. Notably, unlike many robots seen previously, this humanoid was specifically designed for outdoor use—even in rainy conditions.

Standing approximately 1.75 meters tall and weighing 65 kg, the DR02 features an IP66 rating, providing protection against dust and powerful jets of water. According to the manufacturer, it can also operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C. To perceive its surroundings, it utilizes conventional cameras, depth sensors, and LiDAR—a technology that measures distances using light—enabling it to identify people, vehicles, and obstacles in its vicinity.

The robot is capable of walking at speeds of up to 1.5 meters per second, climbing steps approximately 25 cm high, and navigating inclines of up to 20°. Beyond managing traffic, the trials include assisting tourists by answering questions and providing directions in various languages. The goal is not to immediately replace police officers, but rather to offload repetitive, guidance-related tasks to machines, allowing human professionals to focus on more complex situations. For now, this remains an experimental project; there is not yet enough publicly available data to confirm that these humanoids can manage intersections on their own with the same level of safety as experienced officers. Nevertheless, the sight of a humanoid robot providing directions to people in the heart of a city already signals that a shift is underway.