National Games doubles as major tech showcase

Runners pass by Shenzhen Bay Sports Center during the men's marathon of the 15th National Games on Nov. 15. Photos by Xinhua unless otherwise stated

The 15th National Games has served as a proving ground for China’s technological ambitions, with the host region of Guangdong deploying over 130 cutting-edge products, from robots to AI-powered stadiums, officials announced yesterday.

At a press conference in Guangzhou, organizers detailed how the Games had evolved into a large-scale showcase for innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, and next‑generation communications.

He Jianhui, representing the technology task force for the Games’ Shenzhen division, said the city leveraged its status as a tech hub to integrate these advancements throughout the event.

“Shenzhen is committed to a ‘technology-enabled Games,’” He said. “We incorporated the latest tech products and innovations into the entire chain and process of hosting the events.”

Staff members work at the smart command center of Shenzhen Sports Center, a key tech hub during the 15th National Games. Courtesy of Shenzhen Sports Center

Technology was woven into every aspect of the Games. For event management, organizers used a central command system built on a “smart city” digital base, employing big data and AI for precise scheduling. That approach was epitomized by the cross-border marathon, where facial recognition, smart wristbands, and timing technology worked together to deliver seamless customs clearance for runners.

Venues were transformed into intelligent spaces. At the Shenzhen Sports Center, a vast network of 5G‑linked sensors calculates and verify a soccer ball’s trajectory in just 0.05 seconds. Wearables and positioning base stations captured athletes’ movements in real time to generate instant performance analytics.

Humanoid robot Kuavo hands over the torch to torchbearer Wang Yuning (L) during the relay in Shenzhen on Nov. 2.

The Games also served as a high‑profile showcase for breakthrough Chinese products. Kuavo, a humanoid robot, made its global debut as an autonomous torchbearer operated by 5G‑A remote control.

The Happy Theater at OH Bay in Bao’an District, the venue for the closing ceremony scheduled for Friday, is backed by a power system capable of millisecond‑level switching to ensure reliability. The ceremony itself will be a showcase for future tech, featuring “liquid canvas” displays, glasses‑free 3D, and smart wearables.

The closing ceremony of the 15th National Games will be held Friday at the Happy Theater in OH Bay, Bao’an District. 

Officials emphasized that the aim goes beyond the Games, in which the technologies tested are intended for broader urban application. Digital twin systems developed for the Games are being repurposed to manage city infrastructure, traffic, and public safety, while advanced 5G‑A networks are expected to accelerate smart transportation, low‑altitude drone management for logistics, and remote healthcare.

“The Games has not only provided a broad platform for technology companies to deploy and promote their products,” He said, “but it will also drive innovations from the sports arena into industrial upgrading and urban governance.”