Real-life RoboCop – humanoid robot deployed for police in China
Humanoid robots have already shown off skills like Kung Fu and even completed a half marathon – and now, they may soon be wearing police uniforms. In the Chinese city of Shenzhen, a humanoid police robot has gone on active patrol for the first time. Called PM01 and developed by Engine AI, the robot was introduced to the public as part of a broader initiative to use robotics in support of public safety. Standing 4 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 88 pounds, PM01 is designed to assist officers with everyday tasks such as monitoring public spaces and helping tourists.
Technology and capabilities of the PM01
PM01 isn’t an autonomous enforcer but rather a support system designed to assist police in routine duties. Wearing a bright vest like human officers, the robot is powered by industrial-grade actuators and features a 320° rotating hip, allowing it to scan its surroundings without moving its feet. Equipped with facial recognition and microphones that understand both Mandarin and Cantonese, PM01 can greet passersby, report lost children and relay suspicious activity to a central control unit. A YouTube video even shows the robot performing a forward somersault, adding a touch of flair to its capabilities.
Priced at around 14,000 US dollars, the PM01 is relatively affordable and is intended for widespread use across cities in the long run – not just in police work, but also in civilian settings like education and retail.
Mixed reactions: Innovation meets unease
The PM01 was first introduced in a 40-second segment by Chinese news outlet CGTN on February 26, 2025. While it initially went largely unnoticed, the topic has since gained significant traction on platforms like YouTube and Reddit. The response on YouTube has been particularly striking: many viewers describe the robot as “scary,” “dystopian” or even “sick.” Comparisons to RoboCop and the Terminator are common, often accompanied by concerns about dehumanization, a lack of empathy and broader ethical implications. Only a handful of voices see PM01 as a natural step toward an increasingly automated future.
On Reddit, the tone has been slightly more positive, with a community that tends to be more tech-savvy and receptive to innovation. One post from April 5, 2025, sparked particular interest by discussing the authenticity of the robot, based on an encounter with streamer IShowSpeed. Many users were surprised and impressed to learn that the robot was indeed real, especially after early speculation suggested it might be CGI.
Source(s)
CGTN via YouTube
