Robot steers people toward virus tests in Dalian

A humanoid robot is getting a lot of attention as it guides residents to coronavirus tests at a sample collection site in Dalian, Liaoning province. The city is bucking an infection surge that started on Thursday.

The robot talks: "Please hold your health code and ID card. Let's actively cooperate with the medical staff and quickly curb the epidemic together. Fighting!"

While speaking in a local dialect over a loudspeaker, the robot — which looks like a young woman — nods, gestures and moves its lips at the EX Future Science and Technology Museum in Jinshitan.

Dalian reported one new locally transmitted COVID-19 case on Nov 4. As of Tuesday, it counted 62 confirmed infections and 70 asymptomatic carriers.

The local government provides free testing for residents.