In recent years, typhoons bringing strong winds and heavy rain have often caused branches to fall onto the Circular Light Rail tracks and, in some cases, caused trees along the route to tilt, posing significant safety risks. Furthermore, trees in poor health or those growing in loosened soil after prolonged rainfall may become unstable and face the risk of collapsing. To proactively enhance safety, the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit Bureau has installed AI-enabled real-time tree-tilt monitoring sensors on 177 large rain trees along Dashun Road and 23 Madagascar almond trees along the Meishuguan Road section of the Circular Light Rail route. These devices monitor and transmit tilt data in real time, improving the efficiency of safety management for roadside trees.

According to the MRT Bureau, an AI Smart Tree Monitoring System has been set up in the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail Operation Control Center (OCC) to help operators monitor rail conditions in real time and enhance overall operational safety. The system is paired with tilt sensors developed by the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE) based on mechanical principles, enabling continuous collection of tree-tilt data, which is transmitted every hour. Each sensor is powered by solar panels and can operate for more than a year on a full charge, eliminating the need for external power supply and ensuring long-term, uninterrupted monitoring.

The MRT Bureau noted that when the tilt angle exceeds the alert threshold of 2.5 degrees, the system will automatically issue warnings to the OCC’s on-duty team, and simultaneously send text messages, LINE alerts, and emails to relevant personnel. Following the SOP established by Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation, OCC staff will notify all train operators via radio to reduce speed when passing the affected section to avoid potential collisions, while dispatching personnel to conduct on-site inspection and troubleshooting. In addition to real-time monitoring, the Bureau also reinforces roadside trees prior to the arrival of typhoons to reduce the risk of incidents.

The MRT Bureau emphasized that the AI Smart Tree Monitoring System significantly shortens response time during emergencies and reduces the need for manual inspections, effectively improving safety along the light rail corridor and adjacent roadways. Moving forward, the MRT Bureau will continue advancing toward AI-driven intelligent transportation, green mobility, and sustainable development, leveraging IoT, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence to further contribute to the long-term advancement of Kaohsiung’s public transportation system.