Cutting-edge artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain technologies took center stage at the 17th International Transport Technology and Equipment Exhibition, which opened in Beijing on Tuesday.
The exhibition with the theme of “New Quality Productive Forces, New Driving Forces of Transportation” will last for three days. Five exhibition areas were set up for the event including areas for “Digital and Intelligent Transformation of Transportation” and “Low-carbon Transportation and Resource Recycling.”
In the global shipping industry, bulk carriers account for 45 percent of total transport capacity. To prevent cross-contamination between different cargo types, these vessels require thorough cleaning between loads. Traditionally, cleaning their towering vertical bulkheads has been labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, the intelligent cabin washing robot displayed at the exhibition can now complete in a single day what previously required three to five crew members working for three to four days.
“The ship cabin cleaning robot significantly reduces the need for chemical cleaning agents, while the hull cleaning robot cuts fuel consumption caused by marine growth. Both innovations contribute meaningfully to developing green, low-carbon intelligent ships,” said Jin Xin, general manager of COSCO Shipping (Qingdao) Co., Ltd.
A disaster warning and information service system for highway monitoring made its debut at the event, featuring communication channels integrated with BeiDou’s high-precision positioning satellite network to establish a dedicated network specifically for the transportation sector.
“Once disasters such as road collapses or landslides occur, the system will transmit real-time images and videos of the disaster ahead to vehicles through antennas installed on ETC gantries and many poles at roadside. For example, if a bridge collapses, drivers can be informed in advance and take timely evasive action,” explained Liu Hongwei, a researcher at the Research Institute of Highway under the Ministry of Transport.
The exhibition also features the latest navigation technology in the low-altitude economy sector, where conventional ground navigation maps are now expanding skyward. Integrated ground-air mapping platforms can guide cars and pedestrians as well as providing real-time positioning and route planning for small drones and low-altitude aircraft. Powered by AI 3D reconstruction technology, these systems rapidly update urban landscapes, including new buildings and roads, laying a digital foundation for low-altitude economy services.
Transport technology exhibition in China showcases AI, blockchain innovations
China Southern Airlines launched its direct flight service between Guangzhou City in south China and Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, on Monday, with 30 tourists boarding the maiden voyage.
The new route operates three times a week, with outbound flights departing Guangzhou at 19:35 (Beijing Time) every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, arriving in Tashkent at 23:50 local time.
Return flights take off from Tashkent at 01:30 local time every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, landing in Guangzhou at 10:55 (Beijing Time) the following day. The flight duration is approximately seven hours.
The first tour group visited Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as one of the world’s most ancient cities.
Compared to traditional connecting flights, the direct service saves travelers at least half a day, allowing them to have more time for deeper immersion in local culture.
This year, Guangzhou has progressively launched multiple direct routes to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, further boosting connectivity between China and the two central Asian countries.
“Both countries offer visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, coupled with the convenience of direct flights from Guangzhou, a combination that will greatly appeal to Chinese travelers,” said Guan Jian, spokesman of a travel agency.
The new route has established an “Air Silk Road” for trade and cultural exchanges between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Central Asia.
New direct air service links China’s Guangzhou with Uzbekistan
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