'City Brain' turns online in northwest downtown
Internet of Things sensors are displayed in different colors based on emergency level at Putuo's urban management center.
A new "City Brain" urban management system that can automatically generate alerts when danger is spotted was launched in Putuo District Thursday.
Some 100,000 Internet of Things devices, including sensors and monitors, have been put in place across the district. They are used in every aspect of urban management from public security to market supervision and sanitation. Historical buildings have had sensors installed, so that damage can be detected as it occurs.
Data collected is transmitted to the “Putuo City Brain” system which informs officials of what's happening through their mobile phones, part of the efforts to develop a smart city.
On a large screen at Putuo's urban management center, sensors are displayed in different colors based on emergency level. If any turn red — fires, gas leaks, pollution events or other dangers — immediate action is taken.
In the Shiquan community more than 35 percent of the population is elderly. Sensors have been installed on doors, beds and ceilings of those living alone. The sensors on the door check whether the occupant has left home, while an infrared detector sees whether they get up as usual in the morning. Smoke and gas detectors have also been installed.
It is possible to detect rubbish being thrown from high-rises, new illegal buildings and squatters. The system tells cleaners to empty rubbish bins when they are full. Residents can enter apartment buildings using facial recognition.
The infrared detectors at the entrances to public toilets count the number of male and female users to provide data for renovations.
Citywide, about 500,000 sensors will installed by the end of 2018 to assist management of transport, health care, food safety, environmental protection and public facilities.
