Shenzhen Metro is expanding its AI‑powered robotic guide dog service for visually impaired commuters to more stations this year, following a successful six‑month pilot at a major subway hub.
Nicknamed "Xiaosuan," the wheeled robot has assisted 87 visually impaired passengers at the Huangmugang station since trial operations began in late 2025, according to Shenzhen Metro. The station's complex navigation and heavy foot traffic provided an ideal testing environment for accessibility technology.
Mo Chuanxi, a visually impaired commuter, walks through Shenzhen's Huangmugang Metro station using the AI-powered robotic guide dog "Xiaosuan."
The rollout marks what operators describe as the world's first introduction of robotic guide dogs in an urban rail transit system.
Transit authorities said there were no safety incidents during the trial period, and they have already procured five additional units for wider deployment across the network this year.
"When I walk with it, I don't worry about getting lost," a visually impaired commuter surnamed Gao said after using the device. "I hope it can be introduced at more stations so more visually impaired people can travel independently."
Roughly knee-high and mounted on wheels, the robotic assistant guides passengers while they hold a lightweight handlebar. Using cameras, sensors, and AI-powered navigation systems, it can respond to voice commands, avoid obstacles, follow tactile paving for the visually impaired, and guide users through elevators, station corridors and exits.
"Xiaosuan," an AI-powered robotic guide dog, is seen at the Huangmugang Station in Futian District in this photo taken in December last year.
For many users, the technology offers an alternative to traditional guide dogs, which remain scarce and expensive in China. Some visually impaired commuters involved in the trial said the robotic system could provide more precise navigation in crowded urban environments.
Visually impaired commuter Mo Chuanxi, who uses a traditional guide dog, said the robotic assistant appeared more focused in certain transit environments.
"While guide dogs can occasionally be distracted by their surroundings, the robot's ability to recognize traffic lights and plan routes make me feel safer," Mo said.
Chen Hao, founder of Guangzhou Xiaosuan Intelligent Technology — the developer behind the device — said unlike smart glasses that rely heavily on audio prompts, the robotic guide dog allows users to maintain greater awareness of their surroundings.
"Visually impaired users depend heavily on hearing to perceive the environment," Chen said. "If a device constantly delivers voice instructions, it can interfere with that awareness."
