'City of the future' reshapes smart living

Together, they form an interconnected network that helps manage transportation, public facilities, neighborhoods and underground utility systems more efficiently.

A short drive away, an exhibition hall offers visitors a different glimpse into the future of agriculture.

An apple-picking robot smoothly moves toward a tree on its tracked chassis. After scanning the branches with its vision system, its robotic arm gently reaches out, twists a ripe apple from the branch and places it into a collection basket — all in less than 10 seconds.

Developed by a research team at Hebei Agricultural University, the robot is capable of identifying fruit and distinguishing healthy apples from damaged ones before picking, with a fruit damage rate of less than 5 percent when picking, said Chen Chongchong, a professor from the university's mechanical and electrical engineering school.

"Most fruit growers today are elderly farmers, and labor shortages become especially severe during harvest season," Chen said, adding that this robot can significantly improve harvesting efficiency while reducing operating costs.

He added that the robot's strong climbing capability allows it to work in orchards with different terrains, while the research team is developing specialized AI models for harvesting other types of fruit.

From easing traffic congestion and caring for elderly residents to helping farmers harvest fruit, Xiong'an is leveraging advanced technologies to transform futuristic concepts into everyday experiences.

According to the new area's industry, information technology and data bureau, Xiong'an is building an innovation ecosystem centered on digital infrastructure, technology demonstration and real-world application scenarios.

"Application scenarios serve as the bridge between technology and industry, connecting research with the market," said Liu Xiang, deputy director of the bureau, adding that the new area is ramping up efforts to identify the most promising technologies, teams and projects, and provide them with the best possible environment to grow, mature and achieve commercial success.

lijiaying@chinadaily.com.cn