As Shanghai battles its largest pandemic yet, a robotic dog works as a public messenger to disseminate Covid-19 prevention tips. The robot immediately went viral.
The robot was walking through a metropolitan apartment complex with a loudspeaker on its back, shouting messages like: "Wear face masks, wash your hands frequently, take your temperature and disinfect your flat," according to Xuancheng Daily (via South China Morning Post).
The footage was taken on Wednesday when many citizens in Shanghai were put on lockdown after the city recorded the highest number of cases since the pandemic began.
According to The Times, the Chinese city has imposed a two-stage lockdown, restricting movement for half of the population on alternate days to conduct a mass testing program.
Boston Dynamics' Spot the robot is watched by dogs and event attendees at the Robot Block Party put on by MassRobotoics in Boston, Massachusetts on October 2, 2021. - Leading Robotic companies showcased their latest products as well as design concepts to introduce the public to the future in robotics, from drones to autonomous cars.
Chinese Dog Reminds People to Follow COVID-19 Rules
According to a Business Insider report, Chinese officials have enlisted the help of a robot dog to patrol Shanghai, barking COVID-19 safety warnings as the Asian country confronts yet another shutdown.
The same source added that Shanghai has been under lockdown since the end of March due to increased COVID-19 instances caused by the new BA.2 Omicron sub-variant.
ALSO READ: Over 4,000 Disinfection Robots Set for Sell or Rent This Year, Here's How It Works
With the continued lockdown in Shanghai, Chinese officials have devised a novel manner of reminding residents and anybody stranded there of some of the COVID-19 safety precautions.
The Chinese robot dog in Shanghai has a loudspeaker or what looks to be a megaphone on its back that it uses to warn people of Shanghai's Jiading area.
Robot Dog's COVID-19 Reminders
According to Daily Mail, the four-legged robot strolls around the streets of Shanghai, nagging those trapped in their houses to take precautions against the coronavirus.
Through its megaphone, the robot dog wanders the city and reminds people to wear a mask, wash their hands, and check the temperature.
The same Daily Mail report added that people in Shanghai appreciate the four-legged robots because they believe they can't disobey the dogs.
COVID-19 Lockdown in Shanghai
Furthermore, Chinese officials use drones to check for individuals who violate the lockdown laws.
When the drone finds someone breaking the restrictions, it will announce that the person has violated pandemic rules and warn the person that they could face legal consequences if they do not return home promptly.
Residents in Shanghai are currently prohibited from leaving their houses, Reuters reported. It's worth noting that even basic duties like taking out the trash are forbidden.
China had a total of 11,781 asymptomatic COVID cases as of April 3. It has 1,506 symptomatic instances, on the other hand.
RELATED ARTICLE: WHO Says New Mutant 'XE' Omicron Variant Could Possibly Be the Most Transmissible Strain Of COVID-19
Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times.