Smart technologies are a major draw at tech fairs across the world, and enthusiasts can look forward to discovering more innovations at Hong Kong’s bumper series of tech fairs in April, including the International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and InnoEX.
Ahead of the events, here is a look at how three smart technologies can tackle a range of urban development issues including pollution control, carbon reduction and traffic congestion.
Wise waste
Smart waste management systems utilise garbage bins equipped with intelligent sensors, which not only improve waste collection efficiency but also actively contribute to reducing environmental pollution. Analysing waste data helps city administrators understand waste generation patterns and trends, thus enabling them to develop more precise waste classification and recycling policies.
As an example, Yantian District in Shenzhen has deployed a fully intelligent waste management system, leveraging IoT (Internet of Things), big data, and AI (artificial intelligence) technologies to manage the entire process from waste generation to disposal. This approach has raised the household waste recycling rate to over 50%, and boosted the kitchen waste separation rate to more than 26%. As a result, the district has significantly reduced management costs while promoting more effective waste segregation.
Brilliant lighting
As Chinese cities continue to expand, integrating smart lighting solutions is vital for achieving China's carbon reduction targets. According to the Guanyan Report website, lighting consumes between 10% and 20% of China's total electricity production, with urban public lighting comprising 30% of this consumption.
By boosting energy efficiency, smart lighting can achieve remarkable reductions in carbon emissions. In recent years, provinces and cities have poured billions of dollars into developing smart streetlight networks. Data from the Ministry of Housing indicates that the number of urban streetlights nationwide grew from approximately 22 million units in 2013 to 35 million units in 2023. As investments continue, these initiatives are poised to deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits.
Clever moves
Smart technology is also optimising urban traffic management, providing residents with more convenient and safer travel experiences. For instance, intelligent traffic lights, which dynamically adjust green light durations using real-time traffic algorithms, have been estimated to reduce congestion by approximately 30% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 22%.
In another example, a study on an AI-driven smart parking system — utilising sensors and mobile apps — at a large commercial property complex showed a 30% increase in parking space utilisation. This innovation not only optimises parking efficiency but also significantly reduces unnecessary driving.
In public transportation, smart technology offers real-time updates on routes and vehicle conditions, enabling passengers to access accurate arrival time predictions via mobile apps. According to a 2024 report by the People's Transport Network, the implementation of a smart bus system in Beijing improved punctuality by over 15%, resulting in a corresponding increase in passenger satisfaction.
Technologies like GPS positioning, video monitoring, and data analysis allow traffic managers to monitor traffic flows with a bird’s-eye view, significantly reducing emergency response times. These advancements enable drivers to promptly identify potential traffic safety hazards, lowering accident rates by about 10% and enhancing road safety.
From savvy waste management to intelligent lighting and smart transportation, technology is reshaping every aspect of city life. Looking ahead, smart cities will prioritise sustainable and eco-friendly development, creating a more intelligent, environmentally responsible, and liveable future for everyone.
