The Four-Legged Pioneers of Chongqing's Concrete Canyons

Emblazoned with the welcoming phrase "Chongqing Welcomes You" in Chinese characters, the silver-grey machine moved with calculated precision. As it negotiated the stone steps—complete with red "Mind The Step" warning signs—onlookers captured the moment on their smartphones, reflecting a broader societal shift where advanced machinery is no longer confined to industrial parks but integrated into public spaces.

This demonstration highlights China's aggressive push toward normalizing robotics in everyday environments. From hospitals, where similar models have been spotted near emergency departments, to public plazas, these quadrupedal units are being tested for various roles, including security patrols, delivery assistance, and public interaction.

While Western counterparts are often restricted to controlled research facilities, Chongqing’s real-world testing grounds offer invaluable data on how machines interact with human crowds and challenging terrains. For the citizens of this vertical metropolis, the sight of a robotic dog navigating their streets is rapidly transitioning from a high-tech novelty into an accepted element of the modern urban landscape.

This video shows a gray, four-legged robotic dog descending a wide outdoor staircase. The robot is the central focus, cautiously navigating the concrete steps. On its side, Chinese characters "重庆欢迎你" (Chongqing welcomes you) are visible, along with other smaller text. Several people are present on and around the stairs. Some are walking down, while others stand observing the robot's movements. One individual near the bottom right of the frame appears to be filming. People on the stairs wear casual clothing, suggesting a public, urban environment. Red warning signs are affixed to the risers of many steps, displaying "小心台阶" (Xiǎoxīn táijiē), which translates to "Mind The Step," along with the English phrase "Mind The Step." The stairs also feature metal handrails. The scene is brightly lit, indicating daytime. The general atmosphere appears to be one of casual observation and curiosity from the bystanders as the robotic dog performs its task of descending the stairs. At one point, the robot makes a slightly larger drop between steps, accompanied by a distinct thud. The robot's movements are deliberate, showcasing its ability to traverse uneven terrain.

The video captures a gathering of approximately 10-15 individuals, primarily adults and older adults of East Asian descent, observing a four-legged robot dog in an outdoor public space. The setting appears to be a paved pedestrian area or square in Yuzhong District, China, with distinct light and dark grey striped tiles on the ground. In the foreground, a sleek, light grey robotic dog, marked with "02" on its side, stands stationary in a slightly crouched posture, becoming the focal point of the crowd's attention. The people are dressed in casual attire, and many are holding smartphones, actively recording or photographing the robot, indicating curiosity and interest. One man in a white t-shirt has the brand "FILA" visibly printed on it. Among the observers, an older man leans on a walking stick, and another individual holds a red and yellow broom, resting it on the ground near the front of the group. The scene is lit by natural daylight, suggesting it is daytime. The soft, diffused lighting implies either an overcast sky or bright ambient light without direct harsh sun. In the background, parts of buildings and other public areas are visible. The overall event appears to be a public demonstration or casual viewing of the robot's capabilities.

The video presents an outdoor scene in what appears to be a public square or pedestrian street in Yuzhong District, China. The central focus is a silver-grey, quadrupedal robot dog. A diverse group of approximately 10-12 people, including both elderly individuals and younger adults, are gathered in a semi-circle, intently observing the robot. Many of them are holding up their mobile phones, either filming or photographing the robot's actions. Their expressions convey curiosity and engagement. One man in a white T-shirt featuring a red logo (possibly "FILA") is particularly engrossed, filming with his phone. Another individual, dressed in light-colored clothing and wearing a face covering, also records the event. Near the observers, a red broom and a blue bucket are visible on the damp pavement. The robot dog, initially resting in a low, almost prone position on the wet, patterned grey tiles, begins to articulate its legs. It slowly raises itself into a standing posture, then starts moving its robotic limbs in a rhythmic, walking-like motion, appearing to demonstrate its mobility or prepare for a full walk. In the background, urban architecture is visible, including a building with an ornate, traditional Chinese-style roof structure and another plainer multi-story building. The pavement's damp appearance suggests recent rain or cleaning. The lighting indicates it is daytime, possibly under an overcast sky. The overall atmosphere is one of public interest and casual observation of technological novelty in an urban setting.

A light-colored, quadrupedal robot dog with a red light on its back is performing various movements, including lifting its legs and crouching, on a grey-tiled outdoor plaza. Several men are observing the robot. One man in a light blue scrub-like uniform stands with his arms crossed, another in a dark blue uniform and camouflage cap stands with his hands behind his back, and a third man in a light shirt and pants holds a phone, all watching the robot. A fourth man is seen from behind, also focused on the robot. In the background, a modern building with large glass windows and an overhang is visible. A prominent sign on the building reads "急救部" (Emergency Department), with "International Hospital" partially visible below it, suggesting the setting is a hospital or medical facility entrance. Metal barriers are also present in the background. The scene is brightly lit by daylight, indicating clear weather. A robotic voice speaking Chinese is audible, repeating a phrase.

In a daytime outdoor setting, likely a courtyard or plaza in Yuzhong District, China, a group of people observe a four-legged robot. The robot, light grey with red and blue lights, walks on a paved surface of grey tiles. Among the onlookers is an older woman in a pink top and pants, who has an IV drip attached to her arm, with the IV bag being held by an older man in a striped shirt. Other people watching include a man in a blue uniform and cap, a man in blue scrubs, and a woman in a striped shirt and olive pants. A partial view of a woman in a black and white patterned dress is visible on the right. The people appear curious and calm as they watch the robot move. Buildings are visible in the background, suggesting an urban environment, possibly near a medical facility given the IV drip.