China deploys AI traffic police robot ‘Hangxing-1’ that helps police officers to direct cars & pedestrians by giving verbal reminders

Hangzhou, China, has introduced its first AI traffic robot, called Hangxing-1, at a busy road junction. 

The robot now guides cars and pedestrians, gives safety reminders, and points out traffic mistakes. The move shows how the city is adding smart tools to improve road safety.

Hangxing-1 AI Traffic Robot in China: Features, tasks, and how it works

Hangxing-1 was placed at the Binsheng Road and Changhe Road junction in Hangzhou’s Binjiang district. The robot can make clear hand signals such as “stop” and “go straight,” and it works with the traffic lights. It also uses cameras and sensors to look for unsafe actions.

Local reports showed the robot giving spoken reminders when it saw people breaking rules, such as crossing at the wrong moment or riding e-bikes without helmets. The system reacts fast when someone steps over the line or enters a wrong area.

A motorcyclist who saw the robot said, “When you see it, you will stop at the waiting line. I think it’s quite useful. It can save some police force costs."

A passerby added, “I just crossed the line less than half a meter when it alerted me. It responded promptly.”

Police said Hangxing-1 has two modes. One mode lets it stand in the middle of the road to guide cars. The other keeps it near the traffic lights to help control the flow at the crossing.

The robot was developed in Hangzhou using local tech, bringing together hardware, motion control, visual checks, and voice tools. This setup allows it to handle simple but important tasks that officers deal with every day.

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Why cities in China are turning to AI for traffic control

Hangzhou hopes the robot will ease pressure on human officers, especially during busy hours. Police explained that Hangxing-1 can be moved to different places as needed, which helps them respond faster to heavy traffic or special events.

The AI system may improve as it gathers more real-life road data. Officials expect later versions to handle more tasks, including clearer checks for common violations.

Police will test Hangxing-1 in more locations across Hangzhou. If the results are good, more units may appear in other parts of the city.

Hangxing-1 is meant to support officers, not replace them. With steady signals, quick reactions, and a clear presence on the road, it may help make crossings safer and reduce minor violations.

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