According to a report by China Daily on March 31…
In the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone of Central China’s Henan province, a futuristic vision of urban safety is coming to life. Unmanned patrol vehicles and robot dogs are already on duty, forming an integrated “air-ground” security team that redefines how cities monitor and protect their communities.
The unmanned vehicles patrol main roads, scanning open areas for potential issues, while agile robot dogs handle areas inaccessible to vehicles, such as steep slopes, narrow alleys, and staircases. Together, they ensure no corner of the city goes unchecked.
“Traditional inspection vehicles are limited to standard roads. They simply cannot navigate steps, slopes, or tight spaces,” said Li Zhiqiang, general manager of Jinghai Shengda Technology Cable Co. “Robot dogs fill that gap, complementing vehicles and sharing real-time data to provide full coverage.”
The plan is ambitious: by the end of 2026, 100 “air-ground integrated” patrol vehicles will be deployed across the airport zone, covering residential communities, shopping districts, and key infrastructure.
This push is supported by the Artificial Intelligence (Robotics) Industrial Park, which began operations in January 2025. The park, managed by Henan Airport Digital City Development and Construction Co., hosts over 100 upstream and downstream AI enterprises, forming a central hub for developing Zhengzhou as a computing power center in Central China.
The zone boasts three intelligent computing centers, with a planned total capacity exceeding 100,000 petaflops. Currently, nodes with 10,000 petaflops are operational, fueling AI applications from city monitoring to industrial automation, said Zhang Yang, deputy general manager of the company.
Beyond hardware, the zone emphasizes cultivating human talent. The AI Plus intelligent talent public training base offers a one-stop program in AI, big data, and cloud computing—from courses to certification to job placement. Trainees gain experience tailored to the technical needs of local enterprises, including BYD, Raycus, and companies involved in unmanned vehicles and robotics.
“As a national-level pilot zone, Zhengzhou leverages its strategic location and infrastructure to drive innovation, attract talent, and enhance urban management,” said Sun Xike, an official of the Airport Economy Zone.
By combining advanced robotics, AI-powered monitoring, and talent development, Zhengzhou is positioning itself as a model for smart, resilient, and safer cities—an example that may inspire urban planners around the world looking to integrate technology into public safety.