In Hebei province’s Xiong’an New Area, a range of advanced technologies is being integrated to create what officials describe as a city of the future. The initiative combines big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve urban management and enhance residents’ quality of life.
At the heart of this effort is the Xiong’an Urban Computing Center, often referred to as the “Eye of Xiong’an.” This center functions as a digital control hub, continuously monitoring the city’s operations in real time. Through interconnected systems spanning underground utilities, transportation networks, and residential areas, officials can respond swiftly to changes and emerging issues.
Wang Zixuan, an official with Xiong’an’s industry, information technology, and data bureau, explained that the city was planned around three interconnected segments: an underground city, an above-ground urban area, and a cloud-based digital environment. These layers collectively support a dynamic virtual replica of Xiong’an, enabling optimized management across various sectors.
The impact of these systems is evident in everyday scenarios. For instance, sensors embedded in underground utility tunnels monitor oxygen levels to ensure safety, while community care services use data analytics to check on residents. If an elderly person living alone shows no water or gas usage for an extended period, the system triggers an alert prompting community staff to conduct welfare checks.
Transportation infrastructure has been similarly enhanced. All municipal roads in Xiong’an comply with digital road standards, incorporating over one million connected sensing devices along more than 500 kilometers of roadway. Traffic lights automatically adjust their timing based on real-time congestion data to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Beyond urban management, technological innovation in Xiong’an extends to agriculture. Researchers at Hebei Agricultural University have developed an apple-picking robot equipped with AI-powered vision systems capable of distinguishing healthy from damaged fruit. The robot operates with less than a 5 percent fruit damage rate and is designed to aid elderly farmers by addressing labor shortages during harvest seasons. The research team is also working on AI models tailored for harvesting other fruits and adapting the robot for various terrains.
Deputy Director Liu Xiang of the industry, information technology, and data bureau emphasized that building a robust innovation ecosystem is central to Xiong’an’s development strategy. This ecosystem focuses on digital infrastructure, technology demonstration, and real-world applications as key drivers for connecting research breakthroughs with commercial opportunities. Efforts are underway to support promising technologies and teams to foster growth and market success.
Through the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies, Xiong’an is positioning itself as a pioneering model in smart urban living, continually blending futuristic concepts with practical solutions aimed at improving the lives of its residents.