The Hangzhou Asian Games, held recently in China, were much more than just a sporting competition. The event also showcased the country’s latest technological advancements, with robots and amazing gadgets present at the venue.
The city of Hangzhou, which is a major technological hub in China, seized this opportunity to showcase its technological know-how. Insect-hunting robots, android pianists, driverless ice cream trucks… So many creations that impressed visitors to the Asian Games.
Among these innovations, we find in particular an automated mosquito trap, which travels through the Olympic village to eliminate parasites. By imitating body temperature and human breathing, it attracts mosquitoes before eliminating them.
Robot “dogs” were also deployed, capable of running, jumping and even dancing among the audience. A bright yellow android was even programmed to play the piano, astonishing spectators.
Transport has also benefited from technological advances, with the introduction of driverless minibuses to transport visitors to the various Games sites. Athletes were also able to test their skills by playing ping-pong against a robot, while in the press center a robot receptionist was responsible for greeting customers and offering them banking services.
Robots were even involved in building infrastructure for the Games. Their use has made it possible to gain efficiency and speed on construction sites.
But that’s not all, the Asian Games mascots were also humanoid robots. Their smiling faces were displayed on huge billboards in the streets of Hangzhou and neighboring cities.
Hangzhou, with its population of 12 million, attracts many technology start-ups. Its booming robotics sector seeks to compete with major American and Japanese competitors.
In addition to robots, the city also offers innovative technologies in other areas. Vending machines that steam dishes according to customer tastes have been implemented. These machines even collect data on individual preferences.
While some may worry about the impacts of artificial intelligence on the job market, technology players insist that robots do not replace humans, but are tools that can help them in different domains.
The Hangzhou Asian Games were therefore much more than just a sporting event. They were an opportunity to highlight the latest Chinese technological advances, and to show the whole world the country’s potential in this area.. A technological showcase that promises great innovations for years to come.