Chengdu, China’s buzzing tech hub, just unleashed an army of smart robots into real-world settings – and they’re already greeting students, guiding tourists, and directing traffic! 🚦 Over 10 homegrown companies are testing their AI-powered creations in schools, cultural sites, and busy urban areas as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative to fast-track innovation.
Classroom Buddies & Security Patrols 🏫🐕
At Paotongshu Primary School, the wheeled-biped robot Xiao Zha charmed kids with morning greetings 🤖👋, while a quadruped robo-dog patrolled hallways using autonomous navigation. Talk about high-tech hall monitors!
Tourism Gets a Tech Glow-Up 🕶️🌐
On Jinli Pedestrian Street, AR glasses translated signs instantly for foreign visitors – no phrasebook needed! Nearby at Wuhou Shrine, holographic guides chatted with tourists about route plans, proving history can be literally interactive.
Robo-Cops Hit the Streets 👮♂️⚡
Meet Ultra Magnus: a shiny bipedal bot directing traffic in Chengdu’s business district. Meanwhile, squadrons of robot dogs sniffed out security risks at Tianfu Square. Move over, Transformers – these bots mean business!
Why It Matters 💡
Chengdu’s "real-world lab" strategy aims to boost its $14B AI sector to $18B by 2025. As researcher Yin Ximing notes: "Scenarios drive innovation." With 22 healthcare robot tests launched in March and new public safety bots rolling out this month, this is just the beginning.
