Police in China take hi-tech rolling robot out on patrol

The device is equipped with tear gas, cameras and flashing lights, and can track and identify targets

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Police in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, use the ball-shaped robots on patrol amid China’s the latest push to improve hi-tech policing in China. Photo: Handout

Published: 6:09pm, 12 Dec 2024Updated: 8:31pm, 12 Dec 2024

In eastern China, a robot that can identify and chase suspects follows police officers as they patrol the streets in a crowded commercial district.

In a viral clip that could come straight from a sci-fi film, the spherical robot is decked out with cameras and flashing lights, and tilts and rolls around without tipping over.

The robots used by police in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, can be equipped with suppression tools such as tear gas, and are part of China’s broader efforts to deploy advanced technology to aid officers.

Authorities promote it as a tool that “cannot be smashed” and that is “resilient in hostile environments”.

State media says the robot can be beaten and still go on in its role aiding police officers. Photo: Handout

The spherical robot, patented by the College of Control Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University, was meant to solve issues facing robots with wheels and legs, Wenzhou Daily reported on Wednesday.

Wang You, an associate professor at the college, told the newspaper the device weighed 125kg (275lbs), could travel at 35km/h (22mph) and needed only 2.5 seconds to reach top speed.