At a massive public event in Shanghai, China, something unusual happened: police officers were joined by robots. Yes, real walking robots were patrolling alongside humans at the Chinese Grand Prix, one of the biggest racing events in the world.
With over 100,000 people in the crowd, safety was a top priority. So, for the first time, the police introduced advanced robotic assistants to help with surveillance, security, and crowd management.
This was not a science experiment. It was a real-world test of how robotics and AI can work in everyday public spaces.
Who Made These Robots?
The robots were developed by a Chinese tech company called Unitree Robotics. They’ve been working for years to make agile, affordable robots for industries like delivery, research, and now—public safety.
Two models were used:
- Unitree G1 – A humanoid robot that walks on two legs.
- Unitree GO2 – A robot dog that walks on four legs.
These robots are small but powerful. They can run, climb stairs, avoid obstacles, and process information through AI-powered systems.
What Can These Robots Do?
These aren’t just camera-on-wheels. They have high-tech abilities like:
- Facial recognition – Scan faces in the crowd and compare with police records.
- Thermal imaging – Detect unusual heat sources or fire risks.
- Autonomous navigation – Walk around without remote control, using AI.
- Behavior analysis – Identify if someone is in danger or acting oddly.
- Two-way voice interaction – Let people speak to the robot for help or questions.
They work quietly in the background but are always alert. Think of them as robotic security guards—always watching, never sleeping.
Why Were They Deployed?
Managing a crowd of over 100,000 people is a major task. Human officers can’t be everywhere at once. So, the goal was to:
- Increase efficiency – Let robots handle routine patrolling.
- Support faster response – Robots can detect and alert faster than humans.
- Reduce pressure – Help officers focus on critical tasks.
Police wanted to see how well robots could operate in a live, high-pressure environment. And from what we know, the test was successful.
How Did People React?
People were amazed. Videos of the robots walking next to crowds quickly went viral online. Many said it felt like watching a sci-fi movie in real life.
Reactions included:
- Excitement – “Wow, this is the future!”
- Curiosity – “Can it really help the police?”
- Concern – “Are they watching us too closely?”
The event made one thing clear: people are interested, but they also have questions.
What Are the Concerns?
Robots may help us, but they also bring serious discussions:
- Privacy
- Robots scanning faces may feel invasive.
- Where does this data go? Who controls it?
- Surveillance
- Constant monitoring may affect how free people feel in public.
- Jobs
- Could robots replace some human roles in law enforcement?
- Reliability
- What happens if a robot malfunctions or is hacked?
These are valid concerns. That’s why experts say we need laws and limits to make sure robots are used responsibly.
Not the First Time
China has used robots before:
- Shenzhen: Robots were seen patrolling sidewalks and interacting with people.
- Hospitals & malls: Robots help with guidance and minor security.
- Dubai Police: Introduced robot officers for tourists.
But the Shanghai Grand Prix was different—larger, louder, and more intense. It showed that robots can handle real-life, real-time situations.
The Bigger Picture
This event is not just about one race. It’s a sign of what’s coming next.
We may soon see:
- Robot patrols in metro stations
- AI helpers in schools and parks
- Smart security during festivals or emergencies
But it’s not about replacing humans. It’s about working with them.
Conclusion: Welcome to the Future
The police letting robots patrol over 100,000 people was not a gimmick—it was a glimpse of the future. These machines are fast, smart, and surprisingly helpful.
Still, we must ask:
- How will they change our cities?
- Who decides how they’re used?
- And how do we keep both safety and freedom?
One thing is for sure—robots are not just coming… they’re already here.
