ASTRI and Citybus Launch C-V2X Trial in Kai Tak

Upgrading "Smart CityDrive" with C-V2X Technology to Enhance Driving Safety and Traffic Efficiency

HONG KONG, July 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and Citybus Limited (Citybus) jointly announced today the launch of the Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) pilot scheme in the Kai Tak Development Area. This initiative, integrated with Citybus's operational scenarios and led by ASTRI, marks the first time the C-V2X system has been connected to a franchised bus network to provide Bus Captains with real-time driving tips, enhancing both driving safety and traffic efficiency. This is not only a milestone in local smart mobility development but also lays a solid foundation for future autonomous bus pilot schemes.

As the major bus operator in the Kai Tak Development Area, Citybus operates multiple franchised routes traversing the former runway area. For the first time, ASTRI has installed C-V2X equipment on double-deck buses and integrated it with Citybus's onboard systems. This enables the buses to communicate in real-time with smart roadside units (RSUs) installed along Shing Fung Road and Muk On Street in Kai Tak, receiving instant information on road conditions and traffic signal status. With the enhanced "Smart CityDrive" system, Bus Captains will receive real-time driving tips and recommendations through the bus cabin tablet. Following prudent technical and road testing, the C-V2X system is now being applied in a passenger-carrying franchised bus operational environment as a pilot scheme. Upon project completion, ASTRI will use the findings to conduct further research exploring ways to enhance driving safety and efficiency.

Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, said, "ASTRI has been dedicated to the research, development, and implementation of C-V2X technologies, aiming to address urban traffic challenges through innovation. We are delighted to launch this pilot scheme with Citybus, applying cutting-edge communication technology to double-deck buses. This not only demonstrates how smart mobility can tangibly enhance road safety but also represents a significant step in Hong Kong's journey towards becoming a smart city. We look forward to applying innovative technologies to more public transport vehicles in the future to further enhance traffic efficiency and safety."

Mr Roger Ma, Operations Director of Citybus, said, "Citybus has been actively introducing innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and driving safety, and is committed to providing efficient and reliable bus services for all passengers in Hong Kong. This collaboration with ASTRI involves hardware and software upgrades to the 'Smart CityDrive' safe driving system on selected buses. By utilising C-V2X technologies, it empowers the system with more accurate road condition prediction capabilities, allowing Bus Captains to focus more on driving. This is a crucial step towards smart mobility."

Four Citybus double-deck buses equipped with ASTRI's C-V2X system are currently providing passenger services on routes including 22, 22D, 22M and 22X in the Kai Tak Development Area. Benefiting from the low latency and high reliability of the C-V2X system (5.9GHz dedicated spectrum band), Bus Captains can receive comprehensive visual, text, and voice safety alerts through the "Smart CityDrive" safe driving system, enabling them to grasp real-time traffic conditions, roadworks information, and junction driving recommendations.

• Real-time traffic signal data to assist Bus Captains in predicting road conditions: When a C-V2X-equipped bus approaches designated sections of Shing Fung Road and Muk On Street in Kai Tak, the system issues advance driving recommendations based on the real-time traffic signal status, reminding the Bus Captain to maintain speed or decelerate early under safe conditions.

• All-rounded real-time alerts to provide comprehensive safety support: The C-V2X system integrates real-time traffic information from the HKSAR Government's "DATA.GOV.HK" portal, enabling it to address road conditions beyond the line of sight. When there are roadworks or traffic incidents ahead, Bus Captains will have more time to respond to unexpected situations.

ASTRI and Citybus will continuously analyse the system's operational performance and collect feedback from Bus Captains to further optimise various functions. Both parties firmly believe that the application of C-V2X technology in smart mobility is a significant development and will drive the advancement of autonomous bus projects in the future.

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About ASTRI

Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city's largest government-funded R&D centre. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong's high-value economic development. For further information, please visit www.astri.org.

About Citybus Limited

Established in 1979, through constant innovation and excellent service delivery, Citybus has grown to operate over 1,700 buses across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories and employs over 5,000 staff to serve over 1.1 million customers daily. We have an industry leading bus fleet with both electric and hydrogen buses, and the majority of buses operating at Euro5 emissions standard or above.

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ASTRI and Citybus Launch C-V2X Trial in Kai Tak

Advanced technologies traditionally found in expensive professional surveillance systems are now available in an affordable smart home camera designed to protect both safety and dignity.

TAIPEI, July 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link Corporation today announced the global launch of the DCS-8610 2.5K QHD Pan & Tilt Pro Wi-Fi Camera. Guided by the vision to help families "See Smarter, Live Safer," this sophisticated camera brings advanced AI capabilities, historically confined to expensive commercial healthcare facilities, into an affordable smart home solution.

Designed for today's changing demographics, the DCS-8610 provides versatile applications that scale from private residences to professional environments. It serves as a privacy-first security solution for the booming population of solo dwellers and independent seniors choosing to age in place, acts as a smart nursery monitor for active toddlers, and offers a scalable safety net for assisted living and professional care facilities looking to optimize resident care without intrusion.

AI Fall Detection: Real-Time Alerts When It Matters Most

Falls remain a leading cause of accidental injury at home, making timely awareness vital. The DCS-8610 features advanced AI Fall Detection designed to provide families with an additional layer of situational awareness by identifying potential fall events at home.

When the camera's built-in AI detects a potential incident, it is engineered to send real-time smart alerts directly to a smartphone via the mydlink app. Coupled with Auto Person Tracking to help maintain visibility across the room, this technology ensures long-distance family members and caregivers receive immediate notifications. This critical data helps them stay informed and shortens response times when unexpected incidents occur.  

Hybrid Privacy Mode: Safety Without Intrusion

One of the greatest hurdles in home monitoring is balancing essential safety with personal privacy. While continuous surveillance reassures family members, it often makes loved ones feel micro-managed or uncomfortable in their own living spaces.

The DCS-8610 solves this dilemma with its thoughtful Hybrid Privacy Mode. Powered by edge-based AI that complies with strict global privacy standards such as Europe's GDPR, the camera identifies human figures in real time and automatically applies a dynamic mosaic mask. Caregivers can see posture, movement, and location through simplified body outlines, but facial features and private details remain entirely hidden. It provides a reliable safety net without making family members feel constantly watched.

Smart Living, Simplified: Key Advantages for Modern Households

The DCS-8610 replaces complex industrial specifications with clear, lifestyle-focused advantages for modern households:

• Complete Privacy Protection: Real-time AI mosaic masking ensures professional-grade care that respects personal dignity.
• Versatile Care Applications: From providing additional awareness for independent seniors aging in place to notifying parents if a toddler tumbles in the playroom, the camera adapts to everyday family scenarios.
• Crystal-Clear All-Around Vision: Superior 2.5K clarity combined with 360-degree panoramic coverage means you can effortlessly check on your entire room, day or night, with a single tap on your phone.
• Seamless Two-Way Connectivity: Built-in audio allows family members to hear and speak in real time, keeping distant caregivers instantly connected.

Capture More of the Moment: Flexible Secure Storage Options

To give households complete control over their data, the DCS-8610 offers a flexible choice between local microSD card storage and mydlink Cloud Recording. When leveraging cloud backup for enhanced security, users unlock complete event protection featuring an advanced pre-record function. The camera is engineered to start recording 5 seconds before motion is detected and continue for 10 seconds after the activity ends. This ensures families never miss critical details, capturing the full context of any unexpected home incident.

Global Availability

"The future of home monitoring isn't simply about seeing more, it's about seeing smarter," said CJ Chang, CEO of D-Link Corporation. "With the DCS-8610, we've brought advanced AI technologies typically found in professional surveillance environments into a solution that families can easily deploy at home. The result is greater peace of mind for caregivers and greater dignity for the people they care about."

The D-Link DCS-8610 2.5K QHD Pan & Tilt Pro Wi-Fi Camera is rolling out globally and is now available for purchase across Europe on Amazon EU.

For more product information, please visit D-Link.com/DCS8610 or contact your local D-Link representative.

About D-Link

D-Link, a global leader in the networking industry, began expanding worldwide in 1986 and was officially established as D-Link Corporation in 1987. With 90 operational and sales locations across 43 countries, D-Link provides innovative and reliable networking equipment, AI-powered cloud management services, and complete infrastructure solutions for individuals, homes, businesses, and industries. Find out more about D-Link at www.dlink.com 

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D-Link Brings Advanced AI Fall Detection and Privacy Protection to Home Elderly Care with the New DCS-8610 Wi-Fi Camera