Dressed in a black bow tie and apron, an AI-powered robotic barista at Migu Cafe in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, skillfully crafts exquisite coffees, completing each order in just five minutes.

"It precisely replicates the techniques of world-class masters, having undergone visual training with millions of data samples and 30,000 hours of dual-arm testing," said Wang Ying, operations manager of the cafe, adding that with sufficient raw materials, it can work tirelessly.

Since its introduction in 2023, the robot has become a local sensation, drawing in curious customers eager to enjoy its work. "I came here specially for the robot-made coffee, and it tastes pretty good," a customer commented online.

In Xiong'an, AI-powered applications have steadily expanded as part of the city's push to develop future-oriented industries and build a smart, livable city that is innovative, green and free from "urban ills."

Official data shows that Xiong'an has attracted over 50 AI-related companies to date.

One such high-tech business is Pulong Technology Co., Ltd., which settled in Xiong'an in 2019, and it has since become a manufacturer of AI inspection robots.

Equipped with sensors, high-precision cameras, and cutting-edge computing chips, these robot monitors can identify on-site information and provide real-time alerts and warnings. "They can replace manual inspections in dangerous environments with more accuracy and efficiency, thus reducing potential safety risks," said Zhao Yan, Pulong Technology's marketing director.

Currently, the company's products are widely used in Xiong'an's electricity sector, especially in power distribution rooms. The achievement, Zhao noted, wouldn't have been possible without governmental backing. "We have enjoyed customized working facilities and expanded market opportunities in the city," Zhao said.

In addition to policy support, the construction of digital infrastructure, represented by the Xiong'an Urban Computing Center, has laid a solid foundation for the R&D and application of AI in the city.

As the "smart brain" of the city, the center has used AI and other advanced technologies to achieve real-time, refined, and intelligent urban management. It has also recently integrated the DeepSeek large model to enhance its services for residents.

From digital roads that calculate traffic flow and improve traffic efficiency to the AI-powered platforms helping community workers spot and resolve urban management issues promptly, these innovations have enabled residents to enjoy a higher-quality life in a smarter city, said Li Nan, a supervisor at Xiong'an Cloud Network Technology Co., Ltd.

As a resident, Wang is confident about the future of AI in Xiong'an. "With more use cases and talents, I believe the city will become a global exemplar of AI integration in urban governance," she said. 

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