Beijing: China's development of smart cities is not just a fleeting trend, but a journey spanning over 15 years. From a few pilot cities, China now boasts nearly 900 smart cities across the country, and is poised to reach 1,000 soon. Dr. Paijit Wiboonthanasarn suggests that the most noteworthy development is China's upgrade from Smart City 1.0 to Smart City 2.0 with its "AI Plus" policy.
According to Thai News Agency, the Chinese model is driven by three key elements: Digital China, new infrastructure, and AI Plus. Digital China lays the foundation for digital transformation across the country. The new infrastructure involves the installation of 5G sensors and IoT technology for data connectivity. AI Plus aims at integrating artificial intelligence across all sectors of the city for intelligent management.
Dr. Paijit shared his experiences from visiting major cities in China, highlighting the advanced technology being used to enhance safety and quality of life. The "Clairvoyant Eye" system, which utilizes a city-wide CCTV camera network and facial or fingerprint scanning, can instantly track individuals. This was demonstrated by foreign journalists who tested the system and were apprehended in less than five minutes after attempting to evade police.
The "Super Ear" technology employs sound sensors to detect noise in restricted areas like hospitals or schools. This system records any violations, such as honking, and automatically deducts points or issues fines through an application. Additionally, a "super nose" device is in use in Shanghai to detect and address issues related to wastewater, garbage, or hazardous chemicals before they become a problem for citizens.
In cities like Shenzhen or Hangzhou, traffic management and government services are seamlessly integrated through technology. Data hubs and AI are used to calculate traffic volumes and adjust traffic lights in real-time, reducing congestion and facilitating faster routes for emergency vehicles. Government services are accessible through a single app, eliminating the need for paper documents and increasing efficiency.
Furthermore, government agencies display real-time complaint statistics on public screens to ensure transparency in problem-solving and to show the public the percentage of issues that have been resolved.
China's urban planning concept focuses on a "greenfield" approach, constructing new cities with technology and clean energy systems. The future goal is to connect these smart cities into "clusters," allowing seamless travel and integration of smart systems for people moving between cities, like from Shanghai to Hangzhou.