Jijo Malayil of Interesting Engineering reports that humanoid robots, like the PM01 model from EngineAI, are now joining police patrols in China. Launched in December 2024, the PM01 features interactive capabilities such as voice command response and agile movement. Compact and lightweight, it can walk at 4.5 mph and operate for up to two hours. Priced at around $12,000, the robot is part of China’s effort to integrate robotics into law enforcement, following tests with other robots designed for security and emergency response. Malayil reports:
Humanoid robots have joined police patrols in China, drawing public attention with their interactive capabilities.
Clad in high-visibility police vests, the PM01 model robots from EngineAI have been seen walking alongside officers in Shenzhen, shaking hands with pedestrians, and responding to voice commands, reports a Chinese online news outlet. […]
The robot’s business and education versions are priced at ¥88,000 (around $12,000), making them $3K cheaper than Unitree’s G1 humanoid.
Last month, the Chinese startup claimed its PM01 is the first humanoid robot to perform a frontflip. Footage shows the Shenzhen-based robot completing the stunt, earning applause from onlookers. The video concludes with PM01 walking through the Shenzhen Tourist Information Center, as EngineAI highlights its continuous development. […]
Despite impressive progress, today’s police robots are still far from reaching the advanced capabilities seen in science fiction. That said, the progress made is impressive.
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