China Tests Humanoid DR02 Robots to Manage Traffic and Assist Tourists

DR02 Humanoid Robots Put to the Test in Hangzhou

According to НВ — Техно: In early October, the Chinese firm DEEP Robotics conducted trials of their humanoid DR02 robots in Hangzhou. Designed to help manage traffic flow, remind people of road safety rules, and assist visitors, these robots were tested in the bustling Xihu district, including busy intersections at Zheda and West Wenyi Streets, as well as within the Xixi National Wetland Park.

Acting as police aides, the DR02 robots use voice alerts and gestures to encourage cyclists and pedestrians to follow essential traffic guidelines. Their reminders cover:

• stopping at the designated stop line;
• obeying traffic light signals;
• wearing helmets;
• avoiding overloaded bicycles;
• crossing roads only beyond the stop line.

It’s important to note that these robots do not issue fines; instead, they focus on promoting compliance through communication.

Capabilities of the DR02 Robots

In popular tourist locations, the DR02 units guide visitor movement and answer basic questions in multiple languages. Standing approximately 175 cm tall and weighing 65 kg, they are built to withstand harsh conditions with an IP66 rating, protecting them from dust and powerful water jets. Their operational temperature range spans from −20 to +55 °C. The robots can walk at speeds up to 1.5 m/s, climb stairs up to 25 cm high, and navigate slopes with inclines as steep as 20 degrees.

For navigation, DR02 relies on a combination of wide-angle cameras, depth sensors, and LiDAR technology. Their onboard computing system can process up to 275 trillion operations per second. This trial run in Hangzhou serves as an experimental phase, with outcomes determining whether these robots can be deployed more broadly to regulate traffic. The details of these tests were reported by Interesting Engineering.

The DR02 robot trials in Hangzhou mark a significant advancement in technology aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing the burden on law enforcement agencies.

Given the experimental nature of this deployment, evaluating the effectiveness of these robots is crucial before considering wider adoption. Positive results could pave the way for automated traffic management solutions across other cities in China and beyond.