The bustling Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2 in Taipei was the stage for the 2024 Smart City Expo from March 19 to 22, where Taoyuan City took the spotlight under the theme “Smart Taoyuan: AI FOR ALL.”
Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) across its municipal functions, the city showcased 24 pivotal projects from various departments, 13 of which leveraged AI recognition and generative AI services. This move was a clear example of Taoyuan’s progressive strides in fostering a smart Taoyuan through innovative technological applications.
Taoyuan clinched awards in the Smart Government and Smart Transportation categories of the 2024 Smart City Innovation Application Award, held at the expo. These accolades celebrated the city’s 1999 Citizen Hotline Generative AI Collaboration System and the Taoyuan City Road Maintenance Information Management Platform. The former enhances operator efficiency in handling public inquiries through generative AI, while the latter uses AI for immediate road damage detection, significantly boosting road safety and maintenance operations.
The introduction of Taoyuan’s digital assistant Shan marks a significant leap in municipal service delivery. Developed in collaboration with the Smart City and Community Development Commission and the Department of Youth Affairs’ startup teams, Shan combines a large language model with municipal data to provide remarkably human-like interactions. Through its generative AI and augmented reality capabilities, it’s poised to revolutionize service delivery in the education, tourism, and care sectors by providing quick and engaging responses to public inquiries.
Taoyuan’s exhibit also highlighted cross-sector innovation, showcasing projects like the Department of Environmental Protection’s Modified Exhaust Pipe AI Recognition Detection System, which automates the inspection of modified motorcycles. This initiative is part of the broader “Quiet Taoyuan Project,” aiming to diminish noise pollution. The commitment to reducing noise pollution continues with AI-driven enforcement tools, significantly improving public peace and quiet and compliance with environmental standards. To further advance environmental management in Taoyuan, the city deploys its AI Watercolor Recognition System to enable real-time monitoring of water quality, facilitating quicker responses to pollution.
In healthcare, the Department of Public Health’s deployment of an AI-assisted imaging system is incorporated in lung cancer screenings, showcasing AI’s role in advancing public health. Meanwhile, the Department of Women and Children Development utilizes an AI surveillance cloud to detect and address child abuse more efficiently. In further public safety efforts, the Police Department’s AI Patrol System enhances public safety by using AI to match license plates and swiftly identify stolen vehicles.
The city’s smart strategy also encompasses extensive digital governance initiatives, such as the City Dashboard, which enhances policy monitoring and effectiveness through data visualization. This is complemented by the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology in social housing projects, optimizing building management and promoting sustainable living environments.
Taoyuan is at the forefront of smart industry development, aiding local businesses through the Smart Manufacturing Service Center. This initiative provides essential support in smart manufacturing and digital transformation, significantly contributing to the city’s economic vitality.
The city’s dedication to sustainability is underscored by its vigorous pursuit of net-zero emissions, emphasizing green transportation and renewable energy initiatives. Taoyuan’s relentless push toward sustainable development is recognized globally, with accolades such as the Outstanding Sustainable City Award and the Outstanding Economic Strength Award. These awards reflect the city’s ability to harmonize environmental stewardship with economic growth, striving to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Looking forward, Taoyuan remains dedicated to enhancing its smart city capabilities through global collaborations and innovations. Hosting platforms like the 2024 Smart City Expo is not only a chance to showcase achievements but also an opportunity to set a benchmark for global urban development. The city’s journey toward becoming a role model for smart technology and sustainable practices promises a brighter, more efficient future for its residents. Through these concerted efforts, Taoyuan is not just preparing for the future – it is shaping it, ensuring that citizens enjoy a dynamic, innovative, and sustainable urban environment.
