APLUX Ultra Magnus Directs Traffic in Chengdu Robot Push

Chengdu Debuts

APLUX unveiled its Ultra Magnus humanoid robot directing traffic in Chengdu's bustling streets, marking a bold step in China's urban robotics initiative. Amid growing congestion challenges, the robot stepped in to manage vehicle flows at key intersections, waving signals with precise arm gestures and alerting drivers via integrated voice commands. Local authorities hailed the deployment as a pilot for smarter city operations, blending human oversight with robotic reliability to cut response times during peak hours. This real-world test underscores Chengdu's ambition to pioneer humanoid assistants in public safety roles.

Traffic Mastery

Ultra Magnus shines in dynamic crowd control, adapting its bipedal stance to scan roadways with real-time perception while issuing multilingual directives. Unlike static signs, it navigates unexpected obstacles like jaywalkers or sudden lane changes, maintaining composure through seamless motion control. Developers at APLUX programmed it for empathetic interactions, such as calming frustrated motorists with natural language responses powered by onboard AI. Early footage shows it coordinating emergency detours flawlessly, proving humanoids can elevate routine civic duties into efficient, interactive experiences.

Fusion Navigation Edge

At the core lies Fusion SLAM, merging visual and 3D LiDAR data for pinpoint mapping in chaotic urban environments. This breakthrough enables Ultra Magnus to build live environmental models, dodging potholes or construction zones without halting operations. Paired with a proprietary ROS2-compatible OS, it processes sensor fusion on-device via Qualcomm edge AI, ensuring low-latency decisions vital for traffic rhythm. Engineers optimized its gyroscope and IMU suite for balance amid wind gusts or vehicle proximity, transforming theoretical navigation into street-tested precision.

Urban Role Expansion

Beyond signals, Ultra Magnus tackles logistics in Chengdu's delivery hubs, ferrying packages through pedestrian zones while assisting elderly crosswalks. Its collaborative safety protocols allow safe proximity to humans, activating force-limited halts on contact. City planners envision fleets scaling to patrol duties, waste sorting, and event crowd guidance, fostering human-robot teams that boost efficiency without displacing jobs. This push positions Chengdu as a testing ground for humanoids reshaping daily urban flows.

Interaction Skillset

Ultra Magnus's sensor array, including RGB and stereo cameras alongside LiDAR and force detectors, fuels dexterous handoffs like passing safety cones to workers, mimicking human touch sensitivity for collaborative tasks. Bipedal mobility at 5 km/h brisk pace supports extended assistance sessions, with its 60 kg frame ensuring agile dodges in crowds. A 3-5 year lithium-ion lifecycle powers prolonged interactions, such as guiding tours or aiding navigation for visitors, while safety modes like emergency stops enable trust-building partnerships in shared spaces.

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