"AI for Humans" Episode 13: Building Smart Mobility in Hong Kong, Paving the Way to a Smart City

The 13th episode of "AI for Humans"* focuses on the theme of "Building Smart Mobility in Hong Kong," exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovative technologies enhance transportation efficiency, safety, and convenience. The programme highlights the deployment of green mobility and autonomous driving technologies to support Hong Kong’s journey towards becoming a smart city. Featuring prominent guests from the transportation and technology sectors, the episode includes insights from Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Sunny Lee, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI); Dr Huang Ying, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI; Newton Ng, Commercial Director of Citybus; and Rex Wong, Managing Director of Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility.

Applications of Smart Mobility: AI Accelerates Hong Kong’s Transportation Upgrades

Mable Chan emphasised AI’s transformative role in traffic management for a densely populated metropolis like Hong Kong. AI-powered technologies have improved road safety and transportation efficiency. For instance, a pilot AI-driven traffic signal control system by the Transport Department has reduced waiting times for pedestrians and vehicles by 5% to 10%. The system is set to expand to more locations, integrating weather and traffic data to provide commuters with accurate travel time predictions and greater flexibility in journey planning.

She also highlighted Hong Kong’s leadership in autonomous driving policies and legislation. To date, 12 autonomous vehicles have been approved for testing at 21 sites, with plans to launch unmanned shuttle bus services between the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge artificial island and Hong Kong International Airport by 2025.

ASTRI's Efforts: Driving Collaboration in Connected Vehicles and Smart Transportation

Ir Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI underscored the critical role of collaboration across government, industry, academia, and investors in driving advancements in smart mobility. ASTRI’s Smart Mobility Technology (C-V2X) Alliance is spearheading this effort by fostering partnerships that bridge policy and industry, as well as operations and research. ASTRI has also successfully attracted international V2X companies to establish a presence in Hong Kong, leveraging the city as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland.

Dr Ying Huang, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI, highlighted the capabilities of C-V2X technology, which enables vehicles to communicate with smart roadside infrastructures. Since 2018, ASTRI has conducted multiple public road trials in Hong Kong. In 2022, ASTRI released the first Greater Bay Area connectivity roadmap. This milestone supports the collaborative development of smart traffic systems across the Greater Bay Area.

One of the key pilot initiatives involves a partnership between Citybus and ASTRI to test the application of C-V2X technology. This technology has been deployed to the double-deckered buses in the Kai Tak Development Area. According to Newton Ng, Commercial Director of Citybus, the buses are equipped with On-Board Units to receive real-time traffic alerts and route recommendations from the roadside smart infrastructures. Additionally, smart infrastructures equipped at the bus stops can monitor passenger flow in real time and provide suggestions for bus scheduling. This will help to achieve the goal of adjusting bus services based on actual demand. 

Ng noted that the C-V2X technology can effectively enhance driving safety, traffic flow, and passenger experience. Citybus hopes to apply more innovative technologies in the future to promote the development of Hong Kong’s public transportation towards greater intelligence.

Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility: (eVTOL) aircraft in collaboration with Cyberport and EHang

Rex Wong, Managing Director of Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility, shared that Kwoon Chung is actively advancing the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in collaboration with Cyberport and EHang, particularly focusing on unlocking tourism opportunities within the low-altitude economy.

Looking Ahead: Smart Mobility Driving Hong Kong Towards a Smart City

This episode of "AI for Humans" showcased the pivotal role of AI in advancing smart mobility, from improving public transportation safety and efficiency to enabling the commercialisation of autonomous driving and green mobility. These initiatives collectively contribute to Hong Kong’s vision of becoming a smart city.