A new member has joined the city's traffic police force, and it never needs a coffee break. A traffic-directing robot, clad in a "Shenzhen Traffic Police" vest, has begun managing vehicles and pedestrians at a busy intersection in Longgang District of Shenzhen.
The robot, which started its duties on March 6, 2026, stands at a central command post. It represents an upgrade from its previous role as a roadside "safety propagandist" during the Spring Festival travel rush.
Equipped with high-precision joints, it performs standard traffic gestures in sync with traffic lights. Its "eyes" are a visual AI system that monitors the intersection. When it detects an e-bike rider without a helmet, it immediately issues a whistle warning. This "detection-warning" system brings tech-enhanced order to the commute.
Shenzhen, dubbed China's "Silicon Valley," views this as a key step in its "smart traffic" initiative. Future plans include assisting with DUI checks and accident scene management.
Shenzhen's Expanding "Cyborg Workforce"
But the traffic robot is far from Shenzhen's only "AI worker." Across the city, AI and robotics are being integrated into various sectors, creating a diverse "cyborg workforce" designed to handle repetitive tasks and free up humans for more meaningful work.
In hospitals, an AI model designed by Mindray at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital assists ICU doctors by automatically generating medical records in one minute—a task that previously took hours—allowing doctors to spend more time with patients.
On the roads, autonomous delivery vehicles quietly distribute packages in Longgang District, while in Pingshan District, Pony.ai's robotaxis have already achieved monthly profitability.
For families, a 24/7 online assistant called "Sister Shen," launched by the Shenzhen Women's Federation, provides parenting advice and helps mediate family disputes.
And for residents navigating government services, the "Shen Xiao i" AI assistant on the "iShenzhen" app handles inquiries with 97% accuracy, drastically cutting form-filling time.
From directing traffic to assisting in hospitals, these "cyborg workers" embody Shenzhen's trend of using technology to handle repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on what requires empathy and human connection.
Reporter | Cai Minling
Photo | Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Nanfang Plus
