In a blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology, the Spring Festival holiday in Nanshan District was marked by an unusual sight: two humanoid robots, clad in police gear, accompanied officers as they patrolled the streets. These robots brought a novel blend of technological innovation and security to the festive atmosphere, captivating residents and visitors alike.

Two humanoid robots, clad in police gear, are seen patrolling the street along officers at tourist attraction Window of the World in Nanshan District during the 2025 Spring Festival.  File photos

The humanoid robot PM01, which walked alongside human officers, stands at a height of 138 centimeters and weighs approximately 40 kilograms. With 24 degrees of freedom in its body, PM01 can move at a brisk pace of 2 meters per second. Its waist is equipped with a motor that allows for a 320-degree rotation, enabling it to perform a wide array of complex movements. PM01 boasts two walking modes: a mechanical gait and a more natural humanoid gait, showcasing its advanced mobility and adaptability.

Humanoid robots PM01 and SE01 devloped by Shenzhen EngineAI Robotics.

Developed by Shenzhen EngineAI Robotics, PM01 is a testament to the company's rapid progress in the field of robotics. Founded in Nanshan in October 2023, the company has launched three humanoid robot products in just over a year, each tailored for different applications and scenarios. Another of their creations, the humanoid robot SE01, has previously been seen navigating the streets of Shenzhen with remarkable agility. SE01 is capable of human-like movements such as squatting, push-ups, spinning, grabbing, running, and jumping. It has successfully addressed the challenge of achieving a natural gait for robots on a global scale, moving beyond the limitations of other robots that exhibit stilted or unnatural movements.

Nanshan has emerged as a leader in the robotics industry, with its added value accounting for about 30% of the city's total robotics output, making it the largest robotics hub in Shenzhen. The district has taken a pioneering role in the development of embodied intelligent robots and has attracted more than 20 high-quality enterprises and institutions along the industry's supply chain.