Shanghai’s bustling streets have a new kind of traffic officer—one made of metal and code. The city is trialling a humanoid ‘robot cop’, nicknamed Little Tiger, designed to manage traffic with precision and patience. Wearing a reflective vest and gesturing confidently with hand signals, the futuristic enforcer is already turning heads and raising eyebrows.

Robot cop runs the road in Shanghai, China ???? pic.twitter.com/0pYuPow3f7

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Viral Debut in the Public Eye

A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) captured Little Tiger in action, directing vehicles and guiding pedestrians at a busy intersection. The clip, which quickly garnered more than 7,300 views, drew mixed reactions from viewers worldwide. Some hailed it as a leap into the future, while others questioned whether a robot could truly match a human officer’s judgement in chaotic street conditions.

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Learning the Ropes of Urban Policing

According to the Shanghai Public Security Bureau’s Traffic Management Department, this trial marks the robot’s first exposure to a “real-world learning experience for traffic management scenarios”. Officials say the aim is to study how the machine copes with unpredictable traffic flows, varied weather, and direct interaction with the public.

Four Years in the Making

Little Tiger, officially named Xiao Hu, is the result of four years of research and development. The project reflects China’s growing ambition to integrate advanced artificial intelligence and robotics into everyday life. Authorities believe such technology could be particularly valuable in congested zones or during large public events, where human officers often face heavy workloads.

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Streets Ready?

While the trial is still in its early phase, the potential applications are vast. If Xiao Hu proves effective, Shanghai could see robot officers become a regular feature in its urban landscape—a blend of human oversight and AI efficiency that might redefine public safety management.