Twenty robotic police officers went into service at Shenzhen North Railway Station on Wednesday to help safeguard passengers during the Spring Festival travel rush.

Using facial recognition technology, the robots can search crowds of people to identify suspects and report them to a command center, Shenzhen police said.

They will also find smokers and will try to stop them using persuasion and warnings.

In addition, the robots can provide support to passengers such as checking ticket information, offering directions, and providing information on the weather and tourist sights at their destination.

Travelers can get in touch with a human police officer directly through the machines, too.

While the robots are still at the test stage, police in Shenzhen — a busy metropolis in Guangdong province — said they can help relieve some of the officers' work burden during the holiday.