The Internet of Things technology will play a bigger role in the daily life of people in Shanghai and help to raise its profile as a smart city, local officials said yesterday.
Some of the technology is being used in Shanghai's residential communities and city transport such as quick response (QR) codes which help passengers track real-time bus schedules, officials said at a press conference for the Internet of Things China 2013 Conference & Exhibition, which will be held in Shanghai next month.
The Internet of Things, which connects devices through a network, is a promising technology that allows consumers to program, for example, washing machines, refrigerators and air conditioners via mobile devices or by wearing a Google Glass device or a wristwatch.
Shanghai plans to invest 10 billion yuan (US$1.59 billion) in the next five years in the technology and other strategic industries so that residents can enjoy a high-tech life, officials said in January.
"It's not just a cool word now but a part of people's daily life," said Tong Weiping, vice director of the Science and Technology Commission of Yangpu District.
More than two residential communities in the city have free Wi-Fi coverage and fiber optic broadband network, which are essential in the Internet of Things applications.
Other uses of the technology include an automatic station for couriers to send parcels and residents to pick them up using the QR codes on their handsets, according to Tong.
The QR codes at bus stops along some routes allow passengers to check the expected arrival time of buses so they can plan their commute.
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