Shanghai has launched a new pilot program combining human officers with humanoid robot for urban management tasks, marking a new step in the country’s smart city development.
The project is being tested in Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town in Pudong District. It is the first known urban enforcement program in China built around direct human-robot cooperation.
The pilot uses drones, humanoid robots, and patrol officers working together in real time. A drone monitoring system first identifies possible violations on city streets. It then sends live information to enforcement officers and a humanoid robot named Lingxi X2.
Lingxi X2 was developed by Shanghai-based robotics company AgiBot. The robot supports officers by explaining policies and answering merchants’ questions. It also helps with legal education and public communication during enforcement operations.
Officials said the robot does not replace frontline officers during inspections. Human officers still make decisions and handle legal enforcement work. The robot primarily assists with routine, repetitive communication tasks.
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AgiBot explained that Lingxi X2 can clearly explain local regulations and management rules. The robot can also respond quickly when merchants ask questions about street operations or storefront responsibilities. Company representatives said this helps improve communication during enforcement activities.
How AI Robot and Drone System Works
The system follows a clear division of responsibilities during patrol operations. Drones monitor public areas and detect possible rule violations from above. They immediately send alerts and images to officers on the ground.
Human officers then assess the situation and decide how to respond. The robot supports them by speaking with merchants and explaining relevant regulations. This process allows officers to focus on judgment and enforcement instead of repetitive conversations.
Officials said the technology improves efficiency during busy patrols. It also allows urban management teams to handle more interactions in less time. Authorities believe the system can help reduce misunderstandings during inspections.
AgiBot stated that robots provide consistent and objective communication. Unlike humans, robots deliver the same explanation every time without emotional reactions. The company believes that some merchants respond more positively to calm, structured interactions.
The robot’s knowledge system contains information about regulations and public policies. It can explain street business rules, storefront maintenance duties, and local enforcement procedures. It also gives immediate answers to common questions from business owners.
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China Expands AI Humanoid Robot
Experts say the Shanghai project reflects China’s wider push to expand embodied AI technologies into public life. Embodied AI refers to artificial intelligence systems embedded in physical machines, such as robots. These systems can interact with people and environments in real-world settings.
Pan Helin, a member of an expert committee linked to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said the project shows how robots are moving beyond simple movement tasks.
He explained that the focus is now shifting toward robots capable of performing useful work in practical situations. According to him, the pilot lays the foundation for larger deployments in more public service areas.
China has already started testing humanoid robots in traffic management and public safety roles. In July 2025, Shanghai introduced another humanoid robot, Xiao Hu, in the Huangpu District. The robot wore a police-style uniform and helped manage pedestrian and traffic movement at busy intersections.
Xiao Hu also provided directions and answered basic traffic law questions from the public. Local reports described the project as part of a trial phase for smart traffic management systems. Authorities used the robot to study how AI machines interact with pedestrians in crowded urban spaces.
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China continues to invest heavily in robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart city systems. Cities across the country are testing automated technologies to improve traffic control, public safety, and urban services. The Shanghai pilot shows how robots are becoming active tools in daily city operations rather than just experimental machines.
Officials said future expansion will depend on practical results instead of large deployment numbers alone. Authorities plan to closely evaluate how effectively robots support officers and communicate with the public. The success of the pilot may influence how other Chinese cities adopt AI-powered urban management systems in the coming years.
