Huawei Strengthens Urban Rail Intelligence to Keep Cities Moving

Huawei's Initiative for Smart Urban Rail

On May 12, 2025, Huawei held the Smart Urban Rail Summit in Hong Kong, focusing on the theme of "Progressing with Cloud-Network Convergence and Data AI Enablement for Smart Urban Rail." This event gathered technology leaders and experts to explore how innovative technologies can reshape urban transportation.

During the summit, Thomas Xu, Vice President of Huawei's Smart Transportation Unit, highlighted the critical need for selecting the most suitable digital and intelligent technologies to meet specific service requirements. This approach can significantly improve operational efficiency and passenger experiences in urban rail systems.

Dr. Tony Lee, Director of Operations and Innovation at MTR, emphasized the importance of integrating digital resources and innovative AI applications. He believes that such integration can enhance operational efficacy and lead to more efficient urban transportation solutions, ultimately improving societal living standards.

Meanwhile, Xi Xiaodong, Chief Engineer at Shanghai Rail Transit Maintenance Support Co., Ltd., stressed that metro operators must integrate external resources to achieve high-quality development while also focusing on strengthening their internal core competencies.

Nelson Huang, Railway Business Director at Huawei, talked about how the company has successfully integrated innovative ICT solutions—such as cloud computing, big data, 5G, AI, and IoT—into urban rail frameworks. He noted that these technologies lay a digital and intelligent foundation for modern transportation.

The summit featured significant insights from Xiong Xinbin, the Transformational CEO and Senior Vice President of the Beijing Railway Machine and Electrical Engineering Institute (BRI). He discussed utilizing Pangu models to bolster rail transportation and harnessing Ascend and Kunpeng for creating robust data foundations. Additionally, he pointed out the integration of AI into a comprehensive smart operations and maintenance platform.

In a roundtable session, experts including Chan Hing-keung, MTR's Chief of Operations Engineering Services and Innovation, shared valuable perspectives on optimizing technology deployment scenarios, addressing transformation pain points, and enhancing user experience through effective data value mining.

Huawei has been pivotal in servicing over 300 urban railway lines across more than 70 cities worldwide, establishing itself as a leading player in smart urban transport. As Huawei looks to the future, the company expresses a commitment to deepening collaboration with industry partners while adhering to principles of transparency, cooperation, and mutual success.

The company's ambition extends beyond merely enhancing digital and intelligent transportation—it aims to ensure comfortable travel experiences and seamless logistics for urban residents. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Huawei is set to make significant strides in the realm of smart urban rail systems, benefiting cities and citizens alike.

In conclusion, as the complexity of urban transport continues to evolve, Huawei's integration of cutting-edge technologies represents a forward-thinking solution to modern urban challenges. Through initiatives such as the Smart Urban Rail Summit, industry leaders are poised to redefine mobility in cities, enhancing the everyday commuting experience for millions.