Hangzhou has decided that the humble traffic light is a bit too “analog” for its liking, opting instead to deploy a squad of 15 humanoid robot police to its bustling, tourist-heavy streets. These tireless mechanical officers are putting in solid eight-hour shifts, directing traffic, flagging violations, and even helping lost visitors find their way—all while freeing up their human counterparts for more nuanced work. It seems the pinnacle of 21st-century urban efficiency is a glorified, relentlessly waving mannequin that never asks for a tea break or a pay rise.
