MAW Pilots AI-Powered Unitree Robots for Traffic Management and Public Services in Nepal

Kathmandu. A humanoid robot recently seen assisting pedestrians at a zebra crossing and delivering road safety messages alongside traffic police has attracted widespread attention on social media. But beyond the viral videos, the demonstration marks the beginning of a broader effort to explore practical applications of AI-powered robotics in Nepal.

The initiative is being led by MAW Vriddhi Future Tech, the robotics arm of the MAW Group operating as Unitree Nepal, which has introduced robots developed by the Chinese robotics company Unitree and is testing their use across multiple sectors.

According to Prakash Subedi, Marketing Head at MAW Future Tech, the robot currently being tested with the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police is significantly more advanced than the model showcased during last year's NADA Auto Show.

"The robot displayed at the Auto Show was the G1 model, which was primarily used for entertainment and demonstration purposes, such as dancing," Subedi told TechPana. "The current G1 EDU version is programmable and designed for practical applications."

While the robot has been programmed in China to perform advanced movements, including martial arts and jumping, MAW is adapting it for Nepal's needs by developing road safety and anti-drug awareness programs in collaboration with the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office.

Subedi said discussions on integrating robotics into traffic management began with former traffic chief SSP Navaraj Adhikari and have continued with current officials.

He said Nepal's high rate of road accidents and the challenging working conditions faced by traffic police make robotics a promising support technology.

"Traffic police spend long hours on busy roads and face various risks. We believe robots can help reduce some of that workload while also improving public awareness," he said.

As part of the initial pilot, the Traffic Police have started using the humanoid robot during a 35-minute traffic awareness class. The robot delivers information, gestures, and voice messages that have been programmed in coordination with traffic police, while its presentation is synchronized with educational videos.

According to Subedi, participants in the first sessions showed strong curiosity and enthusiasm toward learning from the robot.

Beyond awareness programs, the company is studying the robot's potential role in assisting pedestrians at zebra crossings, supporting traffic lights, and eventually contributing to traffic management.

Subedi said AI and robotics could help optimize traffic signal timing by analyzing congestion levels and vehicle flow, reducing calculation errors that can occur during manual operation.

"Robots don't have emotions or personal bias," he said. "They follow predefined rules consistently, which can help ensure equal application of traffic regulations."

However, he acknowledged that Nepal's existing road infrastructure, policies, and technical capacity mean large-scale deployment will require further development, testing, and training.

The company's plans extend beyond traffic management.

MAW Future Tech is also exploring the use of robots in hospitals to greet patients, guide visitors, and support service delivery during staff shortages. In the education sector, the company has already supplied a robot to an educational institution in Darchula to help students gain practical experience in artificial intelligence and robotics.

For security applications, the company has also introduced Go2, a quadruped robotic dog developed by Unitree. According to Subedi, the robot could be used for border patrols, industrial inspections, and monitoring of protected forests or wildlife reserves, thereby reducing risks to human personnel.

The robotics initiative, first introduced publicly during the 2025 NADA Auto Show, is currently focused on government agencies, educational institutions, and organizations. While robots can also be customized for private buyers, Subedi said deployment requires specialized software, maintenance, and technical support.

"We don't simply sell robots," he said. "We configure them according to each customer's specific requirements and provide the necessary technical support for their operation."

As Nepal gradually explores the use of AI-powered robotics, the ongoing trials are expected to provide insight into how humanoid robots could support public services in areas ranging from traffic management to education, healthcare, and security.

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