Humanoid Robots, Drones and Smart Scooters Patrol the Streets During May Day Holidays

RoboCops are back on the beat. While millions of people in China are enjoying the May Day holidays, law enforcement officers in Guangzhou are bringing high technology to the streets. The police of Guangzhou, capital of southern China's Guangdong Province, have rolled out a futuristic patrol programme featuring humanoid robots, drones and self balancing scooters. Smart technologies are helping to enhance public safety and engage the population during the May Day holidays, which run from May 1st to 5th. Here is the story — as reported by CCTV+.

In the park on Ersha Island, a humanoid police officer drew considerable attention. The robot, dressed in a police protective vest, walked alongside patrol officers, demonstrated martial arts moves and reminded the crowd about fraud prevention measures.

Serving as a "public relations officer" for the local police station, the humanoid robot uses an interactive broadcasting system to raise public awareness of fraud.

Li Xupeng, a patrol and special forces officer from the Yuexiu District, explained that because the robot accompanies the police on patrol, citizens tend to stay near them longer and become more receptive to anti fraud messages. This, he emphasised, makes people less vulnerable to scammers.

Another tool in their "smart police" arsenal is designed for places that are difficult to reach by car or motorcycle. Using self balancing scooters capable of reaching a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour, police officers can quickly move through parks and provide assistance to those in need.

Xie Xiaocan, a local police officer, explained that motor vehicles are prohibited from entering this park. So if someone calls for help from the other side, officers can reach them very quickly. He added that the scooter carries essential supplies and rescue equipment, so if someone falls or is injured, medical assistance can be provided on the spot.

In addition, police have deployed drones during the holidays to carry out aerial patrols in coordination with ground forces, monitor pedestrian and traffic flow in real time, and create a multi level safety network.