A planned city explores how real-time data and automation can shape everyday urban systems
Updated
April 13, 2026 3:26 PM
A package being delivered by drone using the Meituan app. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
A newly built district in northern China is being used to test how cities function when infrastructure, data and automation are integrated from the ground up. In Xiong'an New Area, traffic systems, public monitoring and urban services are designed to respond in real time rather than operate on fixed rules.
At the centre of this is a traffic management system powered by more than 20,000 roadside sensors. These track traffic flow, vehicle types and congestion levels, feeding data into an AI system that adjusts signals in milliseconds. Official figures show this has reduced the average number of stops per vehicle by half. The system also detects equipment faults, sends alerts and generates maintenance requests without manual input.
Automation extends beyond roads. Drones are deployed across the city for routine monitoring. In the Rongdong district, roadside units release drones that follow fixed patrol routes of around 1.27 kilometres, completing each run in about five minutes. They are used to monitor traffic, detect illegal parking and inspect public spaces. Similar systems operate in parks to track water levels and issue flood alerts, while in some work zones, drones transport packages of up to five kilograms between buildings.
These applications reflect a broader approach: integrating multiple systems into a single, connected urban framework. Unlike older cities where infrastructure evolves in layers, Xiong’an has been built with coordinated digital systems from the outset. This allows transport, maintenance and public services to operate through shared data systems rather than in isolation.
Alongside this, the area is being developed as a technology and innovation hub. Since its establishment in 2017, it has attracted more than 400 branches of state-owned enterprises and over 200 companies working in sectors such as artificial intelligence, aerospace information and digital technology.
This ecosystem supports projects like the “Xiong’an-1” satellite, which completed research, design, production and testing within eight months of regulatory approval in 2025. The satellite is currently undergoing testing, with a planned launch expected in the second quarter of 2026. It forms part of a broader push to build an aerospace information industry in the region.
The area is also structured to bring companies, research and production closer together. At the Zhongguancun Science Park in Xiong’an, which spans 207,000 square metres, 269 technology companies operate across sectors including AI, robotics and biotechnology. The park hosts more than 2,700 researchers and industry professionals, with companies organised into sector-specific clusters.
Policy support continues to shape this development. In early 2026, the State Council approved the upgrade of Xiong’an’s high-tech industrial development zone to national level status, with a focus on attracting high-end research and strengthening links between scientific development and industrial output.
Xiong’an is positioned as a testing ground for how smart city systems can be deployed at scale. The model depends on coordinated planning, integrated infrastructure and sustained policy support. Whether these systems can be adapted to existing cities, where infrastructure and governance are more fragmented, remains an open question.
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Can AI companions really help with our mental health?
Updated
January 8, 2026 6:35 PM
A laptop with the text "MENTAL HEALTH" displayed. PHOTO: PEXELS
As technology continues to weave itself into the fabric of our daily lives, it’s starting to play an unexpected role: supporting our mental health. AI companions—digital entities designed to hold natural, empathetic conversations—are emerging as a new frontier in emotional care. Unlike chatbots of the past, these AI companions leverage advanced algorithms and emotional intelligence to provide personalized support, making them more than just tools. They are companions in every sense of the word—always available, always listening, and always ready to offer comfort. But can AI companions truly help us feel better, or are they just another tech trend? Let’s dive into how these digital allies are reshaping mental health care and what their growing presence means for our emotional well-being.
Loneliness is often called an epidemic, with millions of people worldwide feeling isolated or disconnected. While human relationships are irreplaceable, AI companions offer a consistent and accessible alternative to combat feelings of loneliness.
These companions don’t just respond—they engage. They remember your preferences, ask follow-up questions, and adapt their conversations to your needs. Imagine having someone to talk to at any time of day, about anything on your mind, without fear of judgment. AI companions may not replace a human friend, but they can provide a sense of presence and connection that can be profoundly comforting.
In a world where reaching out to others can sometimes feel daunting, AI companions offer a simple solution: they’re always there. This consistency can help people feel less alone, fostering a sense of connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
We all experience moments of stress, sadness, or doubt, and having someone to turn to during those times can make all the difference. AI companions are designed with emotional intelligence, enabling them to recognize and respond to your feelings in real time.
Through sentiment analysis and adaptive learning, these companions can detect when you’re feeling low and tailor their responses to provide comfort. Whether it’s offering words of encouragement, suggesting self-care activities, or simply listening, they provide a safe space to process emotions.
Unlike traditional apps that focus on tracking habits or delivering generic advice, AI companions meet you where you are emotionally. This personalized approach can help users feel truly supported, even in their most challenging moments.
For many of us, expressing our thoughts and emotions openly can feel like a risk. Fear of judgment, misunderstanding, or even burdening others often holds us back. AI companions offer an alternative: a completely private, judgment-free space to share whatever is on your mind.
Talking things out—whether it’s frustrations from the day or deeper personal struggles—can be incredibly therapeutic. And with AI companions, there’s no need to worry about being misunderstood or dismissed. You can let your guard down, explore your feelings, and reflect on your experiences with total freedom.
This safe space for self-expression can be especially valuable for those who struggle to open up to others. It’s not about replacing human relationships but about having an outlet that’s always available and entirely focused on you.
Self-doubt is a common barrier to personal growth, and many of us battle negative self-talk daily. AI companions are programmed to combat this by offering positive reinforcement and encouragement.
For example, if you express doubt about your abilities, an AI companion might respond with affirmations like, “You’ve accomplished so much already—don’t forget how capable you are.” Over time, these small but meaningful interactions can help shift your mindset, replacing self-criticism with self-compassion.
This ability to mirror supportive, affirming conversations can build confidence and foster a more positive self-image. It’s a subtle but powerful way AI companions can contribute to emotional well-being.
AI companions are more than just a tech trend; they represent a new way of thinking about mental health care. By offering companionship, emotional support, safe spaces for self-expression, and tools for mindfulness, they empower users to take control of their well-being.
While they may not replace traditional methods of care, AI companions are making mental health support more accessible, immediate, and personalized. They’re a reminder that sometimes, the smallest interactions—an encouraging word, a moment of mindfulness, or a listening ear—can have the biggest impact.
As we embrace this new era of technology, one thing is clear: AI companions are not just about convenience. They’re about connection, support, and the potential to make emotional care a part of everyday life. And in a world that often feels disconnected, that’s something worth celebrating.