The Smart City Summit & Expo 2026 (SCSE) has officially opened in Taipei, and this year’s event makes one thing very clear. The conversation is no longer just about smart city solutions, but about how cities can take control of AI as part of their core infrastructure.
One of the biggest highlights is the introduction of the AI City Pavilion, led by ASUS and Foxconn together with a wide range of ecosystem partners. Instead of focusing on individual technologies, the pavilion brings together a complete stack that includes AI computing, platforms, and real-world applications. This creates a more practical look at how cities can actually deploy AI at scale.
The concept being emphasized here is “City Sovereign AI.” In simple terms, this means cities are moving toward owning and managing their own AI systems rather than relying entirely on external platforms. It is a notable shift, especially as AI becomes more deeply integrated into areas like transportation, healthcare, and public services.
The pavilion itself showcases a five-layer architecture that spans infrastructure, models, platforms, and applications. Real-world use cases from cities such as Tainan and Kaohsiung help ground the concept, showing how these systems can be applied in day-to-day operations. It also introduces an “AI City as a Service” model, which provides a clearer framework for cities and system integrators to adopt these solutions more efficiently.
Beyond AI, the event also places strong emphasis on sustainability. With seven major ministries and multiple local governments participating, the theme of digital and green transformation is reflected across the exhibition. From energy management systems to low-carbon infrastructure, the focus is on how technology can support Taiwan’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Robotics is another area that stands out this year. The AI Robotics Zone features a wide range of solutions, including service robots, autonomous mobile systems, and disaster response technologies. These are applied across sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and public safety. More importantly, many of these solutions are already being tested or deployed, making them far more relevant than typical concept showcases.
There is also a strong push toward global collaboration. The event brings together representatives from over 170 cities worldwide, along with thousands of industry professionals. Initiatives like CITY VISION IN ACTION focus on real urban challenges, encouraging collaboration between city leaders and solution providers to accelerate implementation.
Startups are also playing a larger role this year, with more than 250 companies participating across areas such as smart mobility, semiconductor applications, and digital city services. This helps position the event not just as a showcase, but as a platform for building partnerships and scaling solutions internationally.
Overall, SCSE 2026 reflects a clear shift in direction. AI is no longer treated as a supporting feature, but as a central component of modern city infrastructure. At the same time, sustainability and resilience are being integrated into the same conversation.
For Taiwan, this is more than just an exhibition. It is a statement of intent, positioning itself as a key player in the global push toward AI-driven and sustainable urban development.
