You’re at a huge racing event. The crowd is buzzing. People are laughing, cheering, and taking photos. Suddenly, walking quietly beside you, is a robot. Not a toy. A real, walking, thinking machine. And it’s watching the crowd… like a police officer.
Sounds like science fiction? It just happened in real life.
At the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, police deployed robots to help patrol a crowd of over 100,000 people. Yes, real robots were part of public safety for the first time on such a massive scale. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand—even if you’re hearing this for the first time.
Why Did Police Use Robots?
The main reason is simple: to support safety and security.
Managing huge crowds is challenging, even for experienced police teams. Robots act like extra eyes and ears, helping police monitor people, respond faster, and keep everyone safe.
Think about it:
- A human can only see so much at once.
- A robot can scan hundreds of faces, spot danger, and move around non-stop.
So, the police decided to use robots as assistants, not replacements.
Where Did This Happen?
This happened during the Chinese Grand Prix—a major international car racing event held at the Shanghai International Circuit. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy environment with large, moving crowds.
The police partnered with Unitree Robotics, a Chinese tech company, to deploy two types of robots:
- Unitree G1 – A two-legged humanoid robot.
- Unitree GO2 – A four-legged robot (like a robot dog).
These robots are small, lightweight, fast, and powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
What Did the Robots Do?
The robots were not just standing around. They were walking through crowds, scanning people, and working alongside human police officers.
They could:
- Use facial recognition to detect missing persons or identify suspects.
- Use thermal cameras to spot fire hazards or overheating machinery.
- Detect unusual behavior like someone falling or fighting.
- Respond to voice commands from police or the public.
- Move independently using autonomous navigation.
Why Are Robots Useful in Crowds?
Crowd control is tough. A large gathering can quickly turn dangerous if something goes wrong—like a fight, panic, or fire.
Robots can:
- Watch larger areas than humans.
- Move quickly and safely through crowds.
- Alert human officers when something is wrong.
- Work non-stop, without food or sleep.
For example, if someone collapses in the crowd, the robot can quickly detect it and send help.
What Was the Public Reaction?
People were shocked and curious. Many took photos and videos. Some thought it was cool—like a movie coming to life. Others were a little nervous. Robots walking around public events is new, and not everyone knows how to feel about it.
Online, reactions were mixed:
- Some said robots make places safer.
- Others worried about privacy and job loss.
Are There Any Risks?
Yes, there are concerns:
- Privacy: Robots using facial recognition may collect personal data.
- Surveillance: Some fear that constant robot monitoring could reduce freedom.
- Job Security: Will police jobs be replaced? Not yet, but people wonder.
- Technical problems: If a robot breaks or makes a mistake, someone could get hurt.
Governments must create clear rules to use these robots fairly and safely.
What’s Next?
This wasn’t just a one-time thing. It was a real-world test for future use. We may soon see more robots:
- Patrolling airports, train stations, and festivals.
- Helping police in emergencies.
- Supporting disaster response.
Robots won’t replace humans. But they can help do things faster, better, and smarter.
In Short:
Police used robots at a real event with over 100,000 people. These robots:
- Watched the crowd
- Helped officers
- Responded to emergencies
It’s a new step in how technology can support public safety. Whether you feel excited or nervous, one thing is clear: the future is here, and it just walked past you.