Humanoid robot aids customs at Gongbei Port

Last month, customs officials at the Gongbei Port of Entry began using Sanbot, an intelligent humanoid robot designed and built by QIHAN Technology Co. Ltd. (QIHAN), to help increase efficiency, security and customer experience at the busy border crossing.

Sanbot is a service robot powered by a robust, cloud-enabled app ecosystem designed to be deployed in a wide variety of settings including retail locations, schools, hospitals and more.

“The use of Sanbot by Gongbei Customs demonstrates just how versatile Sanbot’s AI platform truly is,” said Zhuang Yongjun, chief technology officer at QIHAN.

“We truly believe that robots like Sanbot have the potential to change how service industries operate – and that includes helping customs workers operate and secure ports around the globe,” added Zhuang, who also commented on the ability of administrators “to tailor Sanbot’s capabilities and behaviors to the needs of their specific use.”

Gongbei Port of Entry is the main border crossing between Macau and mainland China and is the largest land port in China. In 2013, more than 99 million people were processed through Gongbei. Currently, 50 Sanbot units are being used at Gongbei.

“With thousands of travelers passing through each day, Gongbei Customs is always looking for new solutions to help us ensure that service is fast and our borders remain secure – Sanbot fit that mold perfectly,” said Zhao Min, director of Gongbei Customs.

Taking advantage of Sanbot’s cloud platform – the cornerstone of its “Robotics-
as-a-Service” model – customs officials are able to equip Sanbot with new functionality, including the ability to answer passengers’ questions in 28 different languages, perform facial recognition to help detect potential security threats, and alert human workers of questions and tasks outside its capabilities.

Using a powerful set of AI algorithms, the Sanbot units at Gongbei have been programmed to respond to over 3,000 commonly asked questions and provide guidance on local laws and regulations to travelers crossing the border.

Founded in 2006, QIHAN is a global CCTV surveillance equipment and solutions provider headquartered in Shenzhen, with a focus on next-generation robotics and artificial intelligence technologies. MDT/AP