{
  "id": 13196099,
  "title": "China Tests Humanoid Robots to Direct Traffic in Heavy Rain",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/china-tests-humanoid-robots-to-direct-traffic-in-heavy-rain",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-09T19:09:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRepublic",
    "slug": "techrepublic",
    "url": "https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-china-deep-robotics-humanoid-robots-traffic-control-apac/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Hangzhou, China, DEEP Robotics tested waterproof DR02 humanoid robots directing traffic and assisting tourists during heavy rain. Commuters braving the downpour encountered a traffic crossing guard in the form of a robot. DEEP Robotics conducted trials of its DR02 humanoid robots in early October in Xihu District, Hangzhou, where heavy rain and tourist traffic created extra demands on traffic management. The robots were tested at busy intersections and tourist destinations like Xixi National Wetland Park. The DR02 features IP66-rated protection against dust and water, and its environmental perception and motion-control systems allow it to navigate pedestrians and vehicles. The robots were tested on tasks to reduce the workload of personnel at busy intersections, such as identifying traffic violations and providing safety reminders in multilingual interactions. DEEP Robotics stated that human staff could focus on emergencies and judgment-required situations. However, the trials were presented as product testing, not a completed deployment or replacement for human traffic officers. While the robots could handle repetitive tourist inquiries, their effectiveness and affordability compared to existing systems like cameras and warning systems remain uncertain. Performance in real traffic conditions raises questions about reliability, safe movement, and accurate warnings. City authorities see immediate benefits in supplementing staff during peak periods and difficult weather, but broader rollout will depend on dependable performance and clear coordination with human officers.",
  "summary": "DEEP Robotics tested waterproof DR02 humanoid robots directing traffic and helping tourists in Hangzhou, China, raising questions about safety and reliability. The post China Tests Humanoid Robots to Direct Traffic in Heavy Rain appeared first on TechRepublic .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}