
Viral: "RoboCop" directing traffic in Shanghai amazes global netizens
Humans are making progress in developing AI and robots every single day. It's ironic that the beings are fascinated and engaged in the creation of something that they will train to take their place and potentially jobs.
Point in case, robot cops, who have gone viral across the globe for directing traffic on the streets of Shanghai.
A video of the "Robocop" dressed like a police officer giving directions at an intersection has gone viral on social media. A humanoid robot named Xiao Hu, sporting an oversized white helmet, LED tube lighting and reflective yellow fabric, was seen giving instructions to pedestrians in the streets of the Huangpu District of Shanghai on Wednesday evening.
The voice instructions being given by the Robocop included "red light, please stop," and standard hand signals to direct foot traffic across the intersection. All of its physical movements and verbal commands have been modelled according to the Chinese traffic policing practices, making it act just like a human police officer. Along with directing traffic, the Robocop can also help pedestrians with directions and answer basic enquiries about traffic laws.
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The robot nicknamed "Little Tiger" marks a trial phase rather than an official deployment, according to the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's Traffic Management Department. The department said the robot's appearance was part of a "real-world learning exercise for traffic management scenarios."
Developed over four years, Xiao Hu is still undergoing testing. However, officials are eager to eventually use the Robocop to replace humans in heavily trafficked areas or during large-scale events.
Netizens react to Shanghai's RoboCop
Image credits: X
People on the internet have been amazed and shocked by the RoboCop on the streets of Shanghai.
"The robotic traffic police in Shanghai, so cool!👍🏻Now it's still in testing, but I'm sure it'll be officially on duty soon!🤖🚥 and "We have finally reached the era of Robocop in real life. Well, at least in Shanghai," wrote people on X, sharing videos of the robot.
Others stated that if the Robocop were in New York, it would have been dismantled and left aside.
"Put that thing in New York and it would be scrapped for parts lol." wrote one. "If he were in NYC his ass would be dismantled and left in the street," added another.
"So futuristic! The world's first humanoid robot'traffic cop' debuts on Shanghai's Bund! It took over 4 years to develop, train, and deploy this groundbreaking robot." appreciated another user in an X post.
Some appreciated China's journey and AI and robot development, writing, "I am so blown away and excited by Chinese technology and innovation 🙌😎"
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