16 May 2018

An Innovation Expo in Christchurch next week will transport you to a world where autonomous lawn mowers cut your grass and your organic waste is turned into sustainable energy.

The expo has been organised by the Christchurch City Council’s Smart Cities programme to showcase some of the exciting, cutting edge technologies being developed in our city.

A woman uses a smart touch screen.

New smart technology will be on show at the Innovation Expo on 21 May.

It is one of the feature events of TechWeek 2018.

Among the things you will be able to do at the expo are:

  • Test out a new app which uses augmented reality to show the features of Christchurch.
  • Watch a 3D flyover which shows how Christchurch’s city centre has changed since the earthquakes.
  • Learn about the smart technology that is helping transform public transport
  • Find out how technology is being used to understand the effects of earthquakes in Christchurch and the impact on our infrastructure.
  • See how a digital twin of Christchurch is revolutionising how we view and understand our city's assets.

“Our high-tech industries are involved in some cutting edge projects that have the potential to really put us on the map as a 21st century smart city and to change the way we live our life,’’ says Smart Cities Programme Manager Teresa McCallum.

“The Innovation Expo is about looking to the future and giving the public a glimpse of some of the new technologies and approaches that are coming Christchurch’s way. It's a chance for people to learn about how we are trialing new technologies to help create a safer, more connected Christchurch.

“We held a small scale expo last year but it was for invited guests only. This year we’ve got more exhibitors and we’re opening it up to the public so people can come along and get hands-on with some of the new technology that is being developed,’’ Ms McCallum says.

The Innovation Expo is on 21 May between 10am and 4pm at the Novotel Hotel in Cathedral Square. Admission is free.