Hong Kong deploys AI in CCTV systems to detect objects thrown from buildings
The minister expressed satisfaction with the improvement in quality of life for residents. He highlighted the use of smart technology in waste management and security systems. The minister also noted a decrease in maintenance costs due to predictive analytics. He concluded by stating that the government plans to continue integrating smart technology in public housing estates.
Hong Kong Authorities Use AI in Surveillance Systems
Hong Kong authorities have deployed artificial intelligence (AI) in surveillance systems to detect and deter public housing estate residents from throwing objects from buildings, as part of their smart estate management initiatives. Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin on Thursday gave her assessment of cases at 10 public rental housing estates selected last year as pilot sites for AI implementation.
AI Implementation in Public Housing Estates
In a social media post, Ho said that previously, when authorities had to spend hours manually reviewing CCTV footage to identify objects being thrown from height, it was very difficult for them to spot such incidents. With AI being applied to analyse CCTV footage, she said the system could automatically identify abnormal movements and track the trajectories of objects thrown from tall buildings.
The Effectiveness of Digital Technologies in Surveillance
“My colleagues shared that digital technologies have greatly improved their work efficiency, enabling them to identify offending households, issue warning letters, and deduct seven points from them. The involved household no longer threw objects from heights,” she wrote. But she did not disclose the number of cases or the locations involved.
The Post has reached out to the Housing Department for details.