China Unveils US$156 Million Urban Computing Centre, Pioneering a Digital Revolution

• 18 June 2023
• Construction Focus
• 2036 Views

China’s groundbreaking stride in urban development sees the debut of the state-of-the-art US$156 million Urban Computing Centre in the esteemed Xiong’an New Area of Hebei Province.

This cutting-edge facility stands as the nation’s digital brain, spearheading an innovative approach to address pressing urban challenges such as pollution, congestion, water scarcity, corruption, and declining birth rates. Acting as an exemplar for cities across China, the centre harnesses the power of advanced technologies to revolutionize urban living.

According to GCR, this transformative project is poised to serve as a blueprint for cities nationwide, integrating digital twin technology to replicate the intricate digital infrastructure of the region. Beyond its role as an IT hub, the centre houses formidable supercomputers that facilitate network connectivity, cloud storage, and data analytics. Powered by blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented or virtual reality, the centre pioneers a new era of data-driven urban management.

Comprising four key platforms, the centre orchestrates seamless integration across various domains. The integrated data platform ensures comprehensive data aggregation, while the video network platform delivers seamless surveillance capabilities.

The city information modeling platform offers a holistic view of urban dynamics, and the IoT network platform establishes a robust network of interconnected devices. These platforms collaboratively collect and analyze data, empowering city administrators to optimize efficiency and enhance environmental performance.

Remarkably, Xiong’an has already embarked on pioneering initiatives, including the trial of a free autonomous electric bus system and the implementation of digital systems at construction sites. Notably, high-definition cameras deployed during hospital construction meticulously monitor worker safety even at dizzying heights of 500 meters.

Strategically located approximately 100 kilometers south of Beijing, Xiong’an is poised to become China’s thriving nucleus. A staggering investment of US$57 billion has been allocated from 2017 to last year, paving the way for the construction of 3,600 buildings, 200 kilometers of digital roads, high-speed rail links, and 3,536 5G base stations. With an ambitious vision of attracting three million residents within the next decade, Xiong’an signifies the pinnacle of progressive urban planning.

• Technology and Engineering