AI-powered robot patrol team put into use at 2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit

China's historic scenic town of Wuzhen in eastern province of Zhejiang has taken intelligent security measures at this year's World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit by deploying an AI-powered patrol team consisting of robot dogs, unmanned surface vessels and unmanned vehicles, contributing to a string of patrol and security tasks.

Themed "Embracing a People-Centered and AI-for-Good Digital Future – Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace", the summit kicked off on Tuesday in the well-known water-town.

The four-day event focuses heavily on the technological and industrial advances in the AI sector.

The smart robot dog, empowered by cutting-edge black technologies, can adapt to a variety of terrains, with its traveling speed reaching three to six meters per second.

By resorting to the camera installed on the head, the robot dog is capable of collecting video data from the scene in real time, which then can be transmitted to the command center, so that timely warnings can be issued in case of abnormal situations.

The robot dog can be applied to different scenarios by carrying different modules such as the loudspeaker, one-button alarm device, medical kit, and dexterous hands, playing a role in tasks like publicity and emergency rescue.

"The robot dog can patrol 24 hours a day. And it can climb stairs and step over obstacles. The unmanned patrol vehicle is a small all-terrain equipment with functions such as autonomous path planning and accompanying support. Its load can reach 280 kg, so it can help us transport heavy police equipment in daily service, making it easier for us to conduct police work," said Jia Yizheng, head of Science and Technology Management Section under the Science and Technology Information and Communication Division of Jiaxing Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Due to the densely distributed riverways in the water-town, unmanned surface vehicles were also put into use to strengthen patrols.

The vessels can realize automatic cruise by depending on the 5G network that helps send back the inspecting screen and water quality test data.

AI-powered robot patrol team put into use at 2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit

The renewal of the currency swap agreement between China and Nigeria will enhance bilateral trade and help strengthen Nigeria's local economy, said a Nigerian economist.

At the end of December, China's central bank said that it had renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The total value of the agreement is 15 billion yuan (about 2.09 billion U.S. dollars), or 3.28 trillion Nigerian naira, the People's Bank of China said in a statement.

The agreement is valid for three years and can be renewed upon mutual consent, according to the statement.

The renewed currency swap agreement allows direct naira-to-yuan payments, cutting costs and easing the financial burden for importers like Martines Tochi.

For eight years, Tochi has relied on China for the supply of electrical cables, lighting equipment, and conductors.

Like many Nigerian traders, he once faced challenges in sourcing foreign exchange to pay suppliers

"Sincerely, we've been sourcing dollars from the black market. And we have been facing serious difficulties in sourcing them. Now, you're not going to source here in Nigeria, so it's a good development, a very good development to us," said Tochi.

Economists see this renewed agreement as a pathway to further strengthen the naira and expand bilateral trade.

"That's a very good opportunity for Nigeria to increase its trade volume with China, and it's one of the things that can help also, strengthen the local economy going by the kind of materials or goods that Nigeria imports from China -- electronics, machineries, equipment and what a view, which are essential for boosting industry, for enhancing the growth of our manufacturing sector and creating jobs in Nigeria at large," said Isaac Botti, an economist.

Nigeria is China's third largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade amounting to 22.56 billion US dollars in 2023.

Renewal of currency swap deal boosts trade between China, Nigeria: economist