China’s streets are witnessing a futuristic transformation as humanoid robots participate in police patrols. The PM01 model, developed by EngineAI, is making headlines for its agility, compact design, and ability to assist law enforcement. A widely circulated video shows one of these robots waving at crowds, sparking curiosity about their growing role in public safety.
Introduced in December 2024, the PM01 humanoid robot is designed for researchers and developers looking to push the boundaries of human-robot interaction. With an agile frame and an interactive display, the robot is built for secondary development, enabling global enhancements to its capabilities.
The PM01 is significantly lighter and more compact than EngineAI’s flagship SE01 model. Weighing 17.6 pounds (8 kilograms) less and standing 27 centimeters shorter offers increased portability. Despite its small size, it maintains a speed of 2 m/s (4.5 mph) and operates for up to two hours per charge, thanks to its quick-release battery system.
Equipped with 24 degrees of freedom (DoF) in movement, including 12 DoF in joint motors, the PM01 delivers smooth, human-like mobility. The 320-degree waist rotation further enhances its flexibility, allowing it to perform complex maneuvers.
The robot’s Intel RealSense depth camera enables advanced visual perception, while its dual-chip architecture, powered by Intel N97 and NVIDIA Jetson Orin CPUs, ensures high-performance computing.
Priced at ¥88,000 (approximately $12,000), the PM01 is $3,000 cheaper than Unitree’s G1 humanoid, making it a competitive option in the humanoid robotics market.
EngineAI recently made headlines by claiming the PM01 is the first humanoid robot capable of performing a frontflip. In a video, the robot executes the stunt flawlessly, earning applause from onlookers. The footage concludes with the PM01 walking through the Shenzhen Tourist Information Center, showcasing its real-world applications.
China’s efforts to integrate robotics into law enforcement extend beyond humanoid patrol robots. In December 2024, authorities tested the RT-G, a spherical autonomous robot built by Logon Technology. This robot, designed for extreme conditions, can navigate land and water at speeds of 22 mph (35 km/h) and withstand impacts up to 8,818 pounds (4 tons).
Additionally, Deep Robotics’ Lynx, a hybrid quadruped robot, combines wheels and walking mechanisms for enhanced mobility. Capable of climbing stairs and traversing rough terrain, Lynx is designed for emergency rescue, fire detection, and security applications.
In Lianyungang, a wheeled patrol robot was credited with helping reunite a lost three-year-old child with their family, demonstrating the practical benefits of robotic assistance in public safety.
Though still in their early stages, humanoid robots like the PM01 are being tested to reduce officers’ workload and enhance surveillance capabilities.
While they are far from the advanced, autonomous law enforcement robots seen in science fiction, their rapid progress signals an evolving role in public security.
