Hangxing No 1, Hangzhou's first AI traffic-control robot, directs traffic at Binsheng Road in Binjiang district. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

Binsheng Road in Hangzhou's Binjiang district welcomed a futuristic new face as Hangxing No 1, an AI traffic-control robot, began its first day of duty on Dec 1.

Residents were quick to notice its impressive capabilities. The robot performs clear hand signals for go straight and stop, blows a whistle, and identifies violations such as riders without helmets, vehicles stopping over the line, and pedestrians jaywalking — issuing polite audio reminders on the spot.

According to Zhang Wanzhe of the Binjiang traffic police brigade, the robot's gestures are trained directly from officers' real movements, and its AI model improves through continuous learning at real intersections. Integrated with traffic-signal systems, it can switch modes in sync with light changes, while its visual system accurately detects non-motor vehicle violations.

Currently in its rookie season, Hangxing No 1 operates in dual modes — traffic command and civility guidance — and will continue receiving upgrades and new functions. Future iterations aim to support more scenarios and provide more convenient services for the public.

The robot was developed entirely in Hangzhou via a collaboration between traffic police and local tech companies, covering hardware, motion control, signal linkage, visual analytics, and voice interaction. Since October, it has been tested at multiple intersections in Binjiang and will later incorporate large-language-model capabilities for voice interaction, directions, consultations, and safety education. Hangzhou is also designing the next generation of traffic-management robots and exploring the creation of a full robot police fleet.

The robot officer works alongside its human partner. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]