Police in the Chinese city of Shenzhen have deployed a humanoid robot for the first time to patrol public spaces, search for missing children, and assist tourists. The PM01 robot, developed by Engine AI, was unveiled as part of an initiative to widely use robotics to support public safety. However, the public reaction to the robot patrol has been largely critical.
Image source: CGTN
Humanoid robots have been in the news more than once – they do backflips and side flips, can dance smartly, have mastered kung fu techniques, crack nuts and toast. Now, it seems, police work has been added to their list of professions. In the Chinese city of Shenzhen, the humanoid police robot PM01 went on active patrol for the first time. The robot, 140 cm tall and weighing 40 kg, will assist living police officers in everyday tasks, such as monitoring public places and helping tourists.
The PM01 is not a standalone performer, but rather a support system designed to assist police in their daily duties. It is outfitted in a brightly colored vest and is equipped with industrial-grade actuators and a 320° rotating torso, allowing it to scan its surroundings without moving its legs.
The robot is equipped with facial recognition cameras and a microphone array. It understands both Mandarin and Cantonese, and can greet passersby, report missing children, and transmit suspicious activity to a control center. The PM01 costs about $14,000 and is designed for widespread use in cities — not just by police but by civilian agencies as well.
PM01 was first introduced in a 40-second video by Chinese news outlet CGTN on February 26, 2025. Since then, the topic has gained significant traction on platforms like YouTube and Reddit. User reactions have been largely negative, with many describing the robot as “scary,” “dystopian,” or even “sick.” Comparisons to Robocop and the Terminator are common, with concerns about dehumanization, lack of empathy, and potential ethical implications often raised.