5G+AI experience zone set up

A zone at Futian Station set up for riders to experience 5G and AI technologies. Liu Yujie

Shenzhen Metro Group set up a zone on the first underground floor of Futian Transport Hub where riders can experience 5G and AI technologies Friday.

The experience area is divided into four sections, including an intelligent construction site, drone inspection area, facial tech for rides and robots for security.

“5G and AI not only offer fast speeds, but the technologies can be used under different scenarios of Metro operation,” said Liu Xiaoxi, an AI engineer with the Information Center of Shenzhen Metro.

Facial recognition technology will enable riders to take the Metro without having to buy tickets or scan QR codes. Robots can use the facial recognition system to take the place of safety inspectors.

“Using a 5G network, we can satisfy the demand of Metro riders for fast Internet access. What is more important is that we can apply the technologies to build intelligent Metro stations and improve service and management efficiency,” Liu said. Shenzhen Metro is trying to turn Futian Station into the first intelligent transport hub in China.

In 2018, Shenzhen Metro handled 1.6 billion riders, or 4.48 million a day, an increase of 13.28 percent over the previous year.