Humanoid Traffic Robots Debut Outside WAIC 2026 Venue

Two humanoid traffic management robots were deployed at intersections around the World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai today, when the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) kicked off.

Directing traffic and assisting pedestrians, the robots are a striking new addition to the city's "smart police force."

The pilot program is a joint initiative between the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's Traffic Management Corps and SkyEnGen Technology Co Ltd. Throughout the four-day exhibition, the QT-100 robots will be stationed at core intersections outside the venue, providing round-the-clock auxiliary traffic control.

Designed with a highly realistic appearance, the robots function as "all-around auxiliary police," seamlessly integrating traffic control, public guidance, service, and patrol duties. When engaged by enthusiastic visitors, the robots provide accurate answers. They are highly knowledgeable about the traffic routes and key locations around the exhibition center, and are well-versed in standard procedures for vehicle administration and accident handling.

Furthermore, the robots can communicate fluently in both Chinese and English, allowing them to offer precise assistance to a diverse public.

Beyond public service, intersection management and deterring traffic violations are the robots' core operational strengths. They are equipped with multi-modal visual perception algorithms that accurately recognize traffic light signals, allowing them to autonomously direct and guide vehicles in all directions for orderly flow.

The robots can also precisely detect various traffic violations, such as e-bike riders failing to wear helmets, crossing stop lines, illegally carrying passengers, or pedestrians jaywalking and/or walking outside designated crosswalks. When a violation is detected, they issue immediate voice warnings to correct the unsafe behavior.

To ensure sustained operation, the intersections are equipped with dedicated robot booths where the units can autonomously return to recharge when their batteries are low.

"This pilot program, coinciding with the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, reflects the traffic management department's efforts to use technological innovation to address citizens' transportation needs," said an official with the traffic management corps.

"The operational data and practical experience gathered during this pilot will provide essential support for future equipment iterations and performance optimization."

Moving forward, public security and traffic management authorities plan to continuously refine the robots' capabilities. By focusing on application scenarios such as assisting with on-site law enforcement and autonomous patrols, authorities aim to gradually integrate these smart robots into normalized, day-to-day road traffic management in Shanghai.