Expo shows human-centric city solutions

​A miniature model of the reconstructed first phase of Shanghai's Inner-Ring Elevated Road. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

The 2025 Shanghai International City and Architecture Expo, held from Oct 30 to Nov 1, spotlighted cutting-edge solutions for building smarter and more livable cities.

As part of the city's World Cities Day activities, the expo unveiled an ergonomics-based solution designed to improve the operational efficiency of metro stations.

Through wearable devices that capture eye-tracking data and brainwave signals from passengers, the system can interpret emotional changes as they navigate. Based on this real-time feedback, it enhances the augmented reality and lighting guidance functions and is projected to increase transfer efficiency by 10 percent.

AI and robotics also featured prominently at the expo, with around 20 AI-driven products showcased for construction and urban management.

Notable examples included a construction-oriented AI service platform and agile robots capable of painting, scanning, and infrastructure inspection. These technologies are already deployed in major projects such as Pudong airport's T3 terminal.

In transportation, a smart bus system piloted in Fengxian district has transformed traditional fixed-route services. By using AI to determine optimal routes based on real-time passenger demand, the system has increased ridership from 10 to 50 passengers per trip.