The Asian Winter Games have taken a considered, "site-specific" approach to venue upgrades, opting against large-scale demolitions and reconstructions. XINHUA
As the 9th Asian Winter Games get underway in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, the spotlight will not only shine on the athletes, but also on the groundbreaking technologies that are set to power the event.
From state-of-the-art digital tools to energy-efficient 5G cameras and pollution-blocking sprays, cutting-edge innovations will ensure a smooth and smart Games experience.
The Asian Winter Games command center, housed in the Asian Winter Games tower, acts as the operational heart of the event, providing a real-time overview of all systems. Central to these operations is China Unicom's specialized cloud platform, designed specifically for international winter events.
Wang Chuanbao, director of China Unicom's Asian Winter Games office, revealed that Heilongjiang Unicom is responsible for the communication infrastructure and service support at all competition and non-competition venues. With network construction now complete, China Unicom will provide 12 key communication services across two major categories throughout the Games, he said.
"We are harnessing the latest technological innovations to ensure the Games run seamlessly, enhancing the experience for athletes and audiences alike," said Wang. "Our aim is to deliver a dynamic, smart, and unforgettable event."
At this year's Asian Winter Games, more than a dozen groundbreaking 5G technologies will be fully utilized, including 5G-A high-precision positioning and 5G-integrated sensing technologies, marking a new era of technological integration in sports.
The Harbin Ice Hockey Stadium, one of the Games' central competition venues, is outfitted with an intricate array of 5G-A antennas suspended above the spectator stands. The 5G-A high-precision positioning will play a crucial role in managing venue operations.
This technology allows event staff to track the real-time locations of individuals, optimizing logistical coordination and boosting operational efficiency to ensure the smooth execution of the Games.
More than a dozen groundbreaking 5G technologies will be utilized, including 5G-A high-precision positioning and 5G-integrated sensing technologies. XINHUA
But, the technology doesn't stop there. The arena is also equipped with a dual 10G network, enabling near-instantaneous transfer of critical data — from media live streams and competition footage, to essential work documents — ensuring the stable and seamless operation of every aspect of the event.
At the Yabuli competition areas, a 400G all-optical network provides a stunning 20 percent increase in performance over industry standards.
This ultra-wide-band network creates a high-speed, direct connection between the Yabuli command center and Harbin's main IT operations hub, enabling ultrahigh-definition, real-time monitoring of the ski slopes and the flawless transmission of competition footage.
It also supports sophisticated event scheduling systems, providing a level of seamless integration that makes remote management feel as intuitive as on-site operations.
Further elevating the technological landscape, the Yabuli ski resort, too, is equipped with the latest 5G-A network, which supports integrated sensing applications for low-altitude security and economic activities.
The technology not only mitigates the risk of drone interference, but, post-Games, will also offer convenient services such as low-altitude drone deliveries.
Throughout the venues and server rooms of the Asian Winter Games, it is easy to spot the "sharp-eyed" 5G-RedCap cameras.
These cameras, one of the many 5G innovations powering the Games, are provided by China Unicom's Heilongjiang branch.
Unlike traditional surveillance cameras, the 5G-RedCap cameras are smaller, more energy-efficient, and offer greater flexibility in deployment, explained Ji Yanqi, head of the Smart 5G innovation center at the Heilongjiang branch of China Unicom's technology innovation department.
In addition to the cameras, China Unicom has introduced a 5G-powered communication resource storage management platform, using 5G-A passive IoT technology. This platform enables smart management and real-time tracking of essential event materials.
Equipped with intelligent recognition and precise location tracking, the platform streamlines inventory by enabling quick identification, accurate counting and efficient recovery of lost items.
"With this system in place, manual inventory checks are a thing of the past," Ji said.
The 9th Asian Winter Games have taken a considered, "site-specific" approach to venue upgrades, opting against large-scale demolitions and reconstructions. Instead, technology has been harnessed to ensure the safety and functionality of the transformed spaces, with one notable innovation being the use of a pollution-control spray.
Developed by a team at Harbin Engineering University, the spray is applied using high-pressure, forming a protective layer, up to 30 microns thick, on numerous surfaces.
This layer locks pollutants in place, preventing their release into the air. "The spray effectively traps harmful particles, ensuring a cleaner environment," explained He Zheng, head of the thermo-fluid mechanics and safety technology research team at the university.
The spray is based on advanced polymer surface coating technology, which combines polymer nanomaterials and organic polymers to create a dense, mesh-like film. This film not only prevents the emission of pollutants, but also significantly reduces their harmful effects.
"The spray doesn't just block pollutants; it also provides long-lasting disinfection for up to three months, with a bactericidal and fungicidal efficacy exceeding 99.99 percent. Extensive tests confirm that it is non-toxic, harmless and non-irritating," said Gu Delin, an environmental expert involved with the Games' venue construction team.
Efficient, cost-effective, and easy to apply, the spray is suitable for a variety of settings, including laboratories, hotels and conference halls. Several hotels hosting guests for the Games have already adopted the technology, with positive results. "Our team will continue to provide technical support throughout the Games," Gu added.
Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn
