Engineers work on a spherical robot. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A futuristic spherical robot from the Qiantang district of Hangzhou – capital of East China's Zhejiang province – is making waves worldwide, local media outlets reported.

Developed by Rotunbot Co, the RT-G spherical robot has gained global attention after a video of it patrolling with SWAT officers in the port city of Wenzhou in Zhejiang went viral. International media described it as a "futuristic police robot from China".

Designed for patrols, detection and rescues, the RT-G is highly adaptable to harsh environments. "Its biggest advantage is its ability to operate in extreme conditions," said Wang You, Rotunbo's founder and a Zhejiang University associate professor.

Beyond law enforcement, it's being used in airports, power plants, oil fields and for water conservation. Overseas, a UAE client recently placed an order, marking its growing global appeal.

Inspired by planetary exploration, Wang's team began developing spherical robots in 2017. The key challenge was ensuring their smooth movements and stability.

Using adaptive motion controls and L4-level autonomous driving, the RT-G is said to navigate rough terrain, adjusts to obstacles and operates in extreme weather, from heavy storms to earthquakes.

Weighing 160 kilograms, it can reach a speed of 35 kilometers per hour in just 2.5 seconds and functions in corrosive, radioactive and flammable environments. "We are the only company in the world to commercialize spherical robots," Wang said.

For Rotunbot, 2023 marked a turning point. With its second-round funding and prototype development completed, the company shifted to mass production.

Wang said choosing Qiantang as its base was strategic, as it offered strong transport links, talent resources and business support. Moreover, the district assisted with talent certification and testing environments, accelerating its growth.

Technicians adjust the spherical robot. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]