Reporters got a taste of the incredible tech innovations during the Media Open Day event at the Hangzhou Asian Games Village on Sept 12. Let's explore how 'smart' the Village really is!

The robot pianist Xiaole and the three robot dog companions. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

Encountering the future at the 'Smart Experience Center'

Upon entering the commercial street at the entrance of the Athletes' Village, the reporters were enchanted by a robotic pianist Xiaole playing the theme songs of the Games. The robot can play music and incorporate human-like body movements into its performance. It has mastered over 30 different musical styles, including eight Asian Games promotional songs.

Accompanying Xiaole's performance were three dancing robotic dogs, which can adapt their dance styles according to the characteristics of the music.

A 3D chocolate printer. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

Inside the Village's 3D Printing Metaverse Experience Capsule, a 3D chocolate printer churned out chocolate products featuring sports-related designs in just three to five minutes. Moreover, visitors can have their own 3D portraits printed here, creating a high-precision replica of themselves in just five days.

Taking a ride on AR smart buses for an intelligent experience

The 'smart' innovations at the Village aren't limited to just a few areas - they're everywhere. You can spot robotic vacuum cleaners and automatic 'water-spraying devices' on the streets. However, what caught the reporters' attention the most was the driverless ice cream mini bus. Here, you can indulge in an ice cream treat with just a tap of the screen.

The Village also boasts two AR smart buses designed to offer a digital mobile experience for visitors. Currently, two AR sightseeing routes are available in the Athletes' Village and Media Village.

An autonomous ice cream mini bus. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

The buses operate autonomously without the need for safety personnel during normal rides. Equipped with a 30° 8-million-pixel camera, they can perceive vehicles within a 600-meter range and pedestrians within a 300-meter range. The buses can automatically plan and execute avoidance strategies.

In full automatic cruising mode, the buses can provide passengers with cruise tours, shuttle services, and explanations. They also feature onboard AR technology, allowing passengers to observe the outside world through the windows and experience an interactive blend of reality and virtuality.

As the vehicle travels, the screen displays real-time images of the surroundings while introducing virtual scenes, including the Games' mascots, sports events, and scenic views. Combined with sound effects, music, and mascot voiceovers, it creates a mesmerizing fusion of virtual and real-world landscapes.

An AR smart bus. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]