Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC) held a major press conference at the Cianjhen Depot of the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail today (October 29) to officially launch the "Greater Kaohsiung MRT Network Digital Twin System." The event was attended by Kaohsiung City Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-jung, KRTC Chairman Yang Yue-kun, Section Chief Yu Tai-shan of the Administration for Digital Industries, Ministry of Digital Affairs, and Assistant Manager Huang Chih-sheng of ELAN Microelectronics, among other distinguished guests. The event showcased the extensive application of digital twin technology in the MRT and light rail systems, marking a major milestone for Kaohsiung in the realm of smart transportation.

The "Greater Kaohsiung MRT Network Digital Twin System" is a collaborative innovation project between KRTC and ELAN Microelectronics, subsidized under the Ministry of Digital Affairs’ "Smart City Taiwan Program ." By integrating digital twin technology with 5G AIoT, big data, and artificial intelligence, the system enables real-time monitoring of the MRT network. This advanced system can simulate real-world transport scenarios and utilize multi-sensor data for real-time risk alerts, enhancing responsiveness, precision, and operational control. Furthermore, it reduces labor costs and operational expenses while ensuring passenger safety and improving their riding experience, significantly boosting operational efficiency.

During the press conference, multiple applications of the technology were showcased, including a digital dashboard for the light rail and a highly realistic 3D light rail driving simulator. Data from the journey recorded by CCTV cameras on light rail trains is integrated into the virtual circular light rail network, generating valuable insights such as passenger trends, accident-prone times, and routes. The driving simulator offers each driver the opportunity to engage in training and analysis, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, an interactive display wall called "Ask Mikan " at the Central Park MRT Station features a virtual cat station master, offering voice-activated interactive Q&A sessions with passengers. These technological advancements are expected to greatly improve city traffic management and enhance the passenger experience. Through holographic and dynamic technology, passengers can access real-time updates on carriage congestion, enjoying a more convenient and responsive public transportation service.

KRTC Chairman Yang Yue-kun stated, “As smart transportation systems continue to evolve, Kaohsiung MRT will advance towards greater automation and intelligence, providing citizens with safer and more efficient transportation options while positioning Kaohsiung as a model smart city.” The Kaohsiung MRT and Circular Light Rail systems will incorporate more AI technology to further enhance the safety and efficiency of the transportation network. As Kaohsiung progresses toward its smart city goals, the two mass rapid transit systems will not only serve as urban transport but also act as critical engines driving the city’s development and prosperity, showcasing the well-integrated 5G technology industry cluster in Kaohsiung.