Tunnel with applied AI tech to improve traffic

Guangdong Province’s first intelligent tunnel platform with applied digital twin technology was put into pilot use at Tanglang Mountain Tunnel in Nanshan District recently, sources from the Shenzhen Municipal Transport Bureau Nanshan Administration said.

The intelligent platform helps tunnel managers overcome the difficulties in monitoring the infrastructure and vehicles at risk and discovering potential hazards, and speed up emergency response.

A screenshot of the intelligent tunnel platform that shows real-time traffic in Tanglang Mountain Tunnel in Nanshan District. Dong Hanyu

Applied with digital twin technology, the platform can produce a 3D simulation of real-world infrastructure and closely manage the city’s overall road network and surroundings, as well as Tanglang Mountain Tunnel and its supporting facilities. It is also combined with technologies such as Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and big data.

The platform executes major digital operation and management functions in tunnel supporting facilities, vehicle management and automatic emergency response, and monitoring infrastructure safety.

The platform is equipped with alert systems — including one which makes automatic reports when the tunnel’s fire hydrants’ water level and pressure are below standard levels, and another to help prevent safety hazards of power supply and distribution.

Compared with traditional manual examination which can be done only once a day, the platform has significantly improved detecting equipment failure and potential troubles through a 24-hour online patrol.

The platform also responds faster to emergencies, with the time cutting from five minutes to less than three seconds.