Imagine a bustling canal where round-the-clock surveillance no longer relies on manual inspections, but instead operates through intelligent systems that significantly boost both efficiency and security. This vision is now becoming reality along the Northern Jiangsu Canal, where groundbreaking smart technology innovations were unveiled on September 19, breathing new life into the historic waterway.

The newly implemented smart system revolves around five foundational engineering projects: "a unified sensor network," "a centralized data repository," "a digital navigation chart," "an intelligent dispatch center," and "a unified service platform for boat operators." Developed with technical support from companies including Strong Digital and Huashi Design Group, these systems leverage big data and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable comprehensive intelligent management of the entire canal.

Initial results demonstrate remarkable improvements. The smart transformation enables 24/7 automated monitoring and early warning capabilities , with hazard detection accuracy increasing by 60% compared to traditional manual inspections. Emergency response times have been reduced by approximately 30%.

Perhaps most significantly, the canal's cargo capacity has undergone "intelligent expansion." With all ten locks now operating at full capacity, annual throughput is projected to increase by 100 million tons. These enhancements translate to substantially improved transportation efficiency and reduced operational costs, providing fresh momentum for regional economic development.