Macau, May 19, 2026 (Lusa) - Macau MP Chui Sai Peng proposed on Tuesday that the territory's government create a humanoid robot police team to increase city security and "improve its international tourism image."

The MP cited cities in mainland China using artificial intelligence (AI) for "smart policing" during a session of the Legislative Assembly (Macau's local parliament), using "traffic robot police" to control traffic, maintain order and support tourism.

"The use of robots in police work significantly increases law enforcement efficiency and frees police officers from routine tasks, allowing them to dedicate themselves to specialised, higher value-added functions," he said.

He said Macau's government could invite "local designers and operators from cultural and creative industries" to help design a robot police force with "Macau characteristics."

This robot would combine the territory's "historical and cultural elements" with "its image as a tourist city," creating a new robotic police force.

He said these robots would themselves be "attractions" for many citizens and tourists, helping to improve the territory's tourist image.

Macau recorded more than 11.2 million visitors between January and March, up 13.7% from the same period in 2025, setting a record for the first quarter.

Macau's government has pursued economic diversification in recent years, in line with directives from China's central government.

This policy seeks to make the local economy less dependent on the gambling industry by developing sectors such as major events, culture, finance and technology.

Local authorities have also tried to increase the percentage of international visitors, as the vast majority of current visitors come from mainland China.

JW/LYT // ADB.

Lusa