EMSD taps drones and AI to boost inspection efficiency

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department or the EMSD has introduced drones and new tech to inspect lighting fixtures in sports fields in Hong Kong, which can save manpower and cost -- and improve efficiency.

The EMSD-developed drones now carry out routine missions across various districts to inspect over 90,000 high-level lighting fixtures.

Through an AI-powered detection system with GPS technology used to capture drone images and generate inspection reports in real time, officers can check whether the fixtures are functioning properly.

Another EMSD-developed system ChillStream leverages AI to optimise control of chiller plants which can collect real-time operational and environmental data, including foot traffic and building electricity usage.

That helps gauge the required cooling capacity at buildings including various government premises.