Chinese firms show urban tech at Barcelona smart city expo
Exhibitors demonstrated air taxis, humanoid robots and automated kitchens at the event, which was themed 'Urban Solutions, Real Impact'.
Chinese companies showed electric aircraft, humanoid robots and automated kitchens at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, from Tuesday to Thursday, China's state news agency Xinhua reported.
The congress ran under the theme "Urban Solutions, Real Impact" and brought together companies, public officials and experts to discuss ways of tackling city challenges.
Chinese company EHang displayed an electric aircraft built to carry two people that can take off and land vertically.
Nacho Rexach, EHang's chief commercial officer for Europe and Latin America, told Xinhua the aircraft needs little infrastructure and could add "a third layer of air transport" to ease traffic congestion alongside ground transport.
Chinese robotics company Aimoga showed humanoid robots designed for reception work, traffic management and hospital services.
Catering equipment maker Atosa demonstrated an automated kitchen system that cooked French fries for visitors.
China Mobile International Limited highlighted digital connectivity, with YinZefeng, the company's senior business development manager for Iberia, saying 5G, 4G and Wi-Fi networks link devices and systems across urban digital ecosystems.
International exhibitors also presented technology focused on energy, traffic management and accessibility.
French company Fonroche displayed stand-alone solar streetlights that need no underground cabling, while Austrian company Kapsch presented a pilot project commissioned by Barcelona that uses artificial intelligence to manage traffic signals.
An exhibit from University College London used simulations to show how pedestrian crossings may look to people with dementia-related visual impairments.
Major technology companies, including Nvidia, Microsoft and Dell, also took part in the event.
Discussions went beyond individual products to cover digital tools for public services and urban planning, as well as housing access, energy management, emission reduction and social inclusion.
The Smart City Expo World Congress is a long-running event in Barcelona that brings together city leaders, businesses and researchers to share ideas on urban technology and planning.
