Like Filming an SF Movie... Self-Moving Tires on Chinese Streets Revealed

Robot Exterior Surrounded by Tires
Equipped with Various Sensors and Cameras Inside
Recently, Robot Pilot Introduced at Construction Sites in Busan

As various types of robots are being commercialized and used in industrial sites, recently, police officers patrolling alongside a ball-shaped robot were spotted in China.

On the 10th, local media such as China Xinhua News and Sichuan Daily reported on a spherical robot patrolling with police officers in China. In a video filmed by a netizen, a round robot rolling alongside four patrolling police officers can be seen. The robot's exterior is surrounded by tires, and it is known to be equipped with various sensors and cameras inside.

As various types of robots are being commercialized and used in industrial sites, recently, police officers patrolling with a ball-shaped robot in China have attracted attention. On the 10th, local media such as China Xina News and Sichuan Newspaper reported on the spherical robot patrolling with the police in China. Photo by Sichuan Newspaper

The robot in the video is the "RT-G Autonomous Spherical Robot" announced by the Chinese robot manufacturer 'Logon Technology.' According to the company, the robot is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). It operates both on land and water, can travel at a maximum speed of 35 km/h, withstand impacts up to 4 tons, and can operate loudspeakers and sonic dispersion devices. Using facial recognition software, it can identify wanted persons or suspects, and it can fire net guns to knock down or immobilize targets. The company stated, "This robot is designed to assist or replace humans in dangerous environments," and added, "We will continue research to create a safer society."

As various types of robots are being commercialized and used in industrial sites, recently, police officers patrolling alongside a ball-shaped robot in China have attracted attention. On the 10th, local media such as China Xina News and Sichuan Newspaper reported on the spherical robot patrolling with the police in China. Photo by Sichuan Newspaper

Not only in China but also domestically, robot automation is rapidly advancing, such as the recent introduction of four-legged walking robots at the Busan Port construction site. On the 11th, Busan Port Authority (BPA) pilot-introduced the four-legged walking robot 'Spot' from the American company Boston Dynamics at the second phase of the North Container Terminal hinterland development project at Busan New Port. Spot is equipped with autonomous driving functions that detect and avoid obstacles using cameras and sensors, remote operation, and automatic charging, making it useful for construction site management, patrolling hazardous areas, and facility inspections.

Earlier this month, BPA installed various equipment such as LIDAR, 360-degree cameras, and environmental sensors on Spot and deployed it for pilot operation at the tunnel site of the second phase of the North Container Terminal hinterland development project at the New Port. During the pilot operation, they verified whether the robot operated normally in the tunnel, where radio interference is severe, and tested its automatic avoidance function with actual human workers.

On the 11th, Busan Port Authority (BPA) introduced a four-legged walking robot 'Spot' from Boston Dynamics, USA, on a trial basis at the second phase of the port hinterland development site of the North Container Terminal at Busan New Port. Photo by BPA

A BPA official said, "As a result of the pilot operation, it is expected to be effective in sending advanced robots equipped with high-performance cameras into confined spaces like tunnels to check and manage real-time video data, reduce congestion on site, and prevent worker safety accidents such as suffocation." BPA plans to expand operations by adding various sensors to Spot and deploying it in various port sites to assess its usability and scope.