Qianhai Stone Park welcomes robot volunteers

Video by Zuo Shiyu

China’s first robot volunteer service station officially began operations at Qianhai Stone Park on March 20. 

The robot volunteers can provide eight major services: daily consultations, convenience services, patrol reminders, knowledge outreach, policy explanations, emergency support, interactive communication, and entertainment performances — marking another innovative step in Shenzhen’s efforts to build the city into a “City of Volunteers.”

Robot volunteers line up to greet visitors at Qianhai Stone Park on March 20, marking the launch of China’s first robot volunteer service station. Photos courtesy of Qianhai Authority

At the service station, several robots wearing Shenzhen volunteer vests are now serving the public. Some can retrieve items such as bandages and mosquito repellent from a first-aid kit for visitors, while others hand out drinking water. Some robots also act as all-purpose guides, answering questions fluently and in detail — whether visitors are asking for directions in the park, looking for photo spots, or seeking information about Qianhai’s talent and business support policies.

Robot volunteers take on different roles to assist visitors at Qianhai Stone Park, offering services ranging from guidance to first aid.

In addition, the park features multiple intelligent robots equipped with visual recognition systems. Playing the dual role of safety officer and mobile public educator, they conduct real-time patrol reminders and public announcements, spreading the message of civility to residents and visitors alike.

Notably, one of the robots, Oli, supports real-time bilingual conversations in Chinese and English, with more languages to be added in the future.

“Qianhai Stone Park feels so futuristic! Shenzhen will host the APEC meetings this year, and Qianhai is not only beautiful but also technologically advanced. It’s truly impressive. The tech vibe is amazing, and it really surprised me!” said Ivana Hornjak, a visitor from Serbia.

Robot volunteers patrol Qianhai Stone Park, delivering safety reminders and public service announcements to visitors.

All robot volunteers at the service station were developed by robotics companies based in Qianhai and Nanshan. Their deployment serves as a tangible example of humanoid technology in action and represents an innovative expansion of Shenzhen’s “City of Volunteers” initiative.