New robots introduced in Zhejiang to aid flood prevention, real-time alerts

Zhejiang province has introduced artificial intelligence-powered water conservancy robots to enhance flood prevention, emergency response and water management, the provincial water resources department announced.

Developed in collaboration with several companies, the robots, named Smart Xiao Yu and Smart Xiao Chuan, incorporate advanced AI functions such as human-machine interaction and intelligent computing. Officials said the initiative reflects Zhejiang's efforts to integrate AI with digital water conservancy platforms.

During flood prevention and emergency operations, the robots act as real-time "think tanks", engaging in multi-round interactions through voice, text and click-and-select methods. By analyzing real-time rainfall, water levels and construction progress, they generate risk warnings and response recommendations.

The robots also serve as data "navigators", allowing personnel to quickly access and analyze dynamic information for informed decision-making. Their deployment has significantly improved basin forecasting and scheduling, reducing the time needed to generate scheduling plans from 30 minutes to 30 seconds. The system is also designed to be accessible to nonspecialists.

Zhejiang is not alone in using AI for water management. In Qingdao, Shandong province, authorities have integrated the DeepSeek AI model into a smart water management platform, creating a dynamic knowledge base to improve real-time responses and decision-making. In Hubei province, the Hubei Water Resources Research Institute has localized the deployment of DeepSeek, positioning AI as a "smart brain" for the industry.

On Feb 28, Beijing hosted an event to promote smart water robots, featuring AI-powered machines designed for inspections, river dredging, water quality monitoring and emergency rescue.

A wheeled inspection robot equipped with advanced sensors drew significant attention at the event. It can navigate obstacles and maneuver through complex terrain, including collapses, caves and potholes. Sun Changqi, the project leader, said the robot can read instruments, identify compliance issues, detect overheating, analyze abnormal sounds and recognize flames and smoke.

"The robot functions like a person using different devices for inspections in various environments," Sun told China National Radio. "For example, an electronic nose allows it to detect specific sewage or harmful gases, reducing health risks for front-line personnel."

Another featured robot specializes in water quality monitoring. Zhao Jiade, the technical leader, said it is capable of routine and emergency video inspections, pollution tracing, water level monitoring and environmental data collection.

"Equipped with a water quality sensor array, the robot provides real-time data and can collect seven bottles of 500-milliliter water samples," Zhao said. "A digital platform records its historical data, ensuring full traceability."

China has been expanding its use of AI-driven technologies across various sectors, including environmental management, to improve efficiency and safety.