ANYANG – Anyang City will host the '22nd Anyang Smartum Festival' from May 31 to June 1 at the Anyang Sports Complex Indoor Gymnasium, offering citizens a chance to directly experience and enjoy future technologies. The name 'Smartum' combines "Smart" and "Eum" (meaning "learning" in Korean), embodying Anyang City's commitment to providing a platform for citizens to learn and grow through cutting-edge technology.

This festival is highly anticipated as a special opportunity to encounter key technologies of the rapidly changing 4th Industrial Revolution era all in one place. With diverse experiential programs utilizing cutting-edge technologies like Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Augmented Reality (AR), along with educational content and even youth competitions, the festival is expected to be a delightful event for the entire family.

 
A Hands-On Experience with Future Technologies

The '22nd Anyang Smartum Festival' goes beyond simply showcasing technology; it offers a wide array of hands-on programs designed for citizens to experience, interact with, and enjoy technology directly.

One of the festival's highlights is an Extended Reality (XR) riding experience program. Visitors can enjoy immersive virtual reality experiences of real-life horseback riding or motorcycle rides through XR technology. This goes beyond mere simulation, adding sensory elements to provide a lifelike sense of presence, leaving a deep impression on participants.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered piano performances by a composer exemplify the convergence of technology and art. AI-composed and performed piano shows will offer fresh impact and inspiration to the audience, providing a glimpse into AI's creative potential. Additionally, a personal color diagnosis program will utilize AI technology to identify the most suitable colors for individuals, an unconventional experience that is expected to attract significant public interest by demonstrating AI's practical applications.

Furthermore, encounters with humanoid robots are also prepared. Visitors can witness and experience the precise movements and AI-based interactive capabilities of humanoid robots, catching a glimpse of future society. Various forms of interaction, such as robot dance performances and conversations with robots, are possible, and are expected to have significant educational benefits.

 
Diverse Attractions, Including AR Treasure Hunt and Hologram Performances

The festival also boasts a rich variety of enjoyable activities utilizing immersive technology. An Augmented Reality (AR) treasure hunt, where participants use smartphones to search for virtual treasures in real spaces, is an exciting game expected to be popular with both children and adults. At the AR photo zone, visitors can take special commemorative photos with virtual characters or backgrounds.

Additionally, hologram performances will provide a fantastic experience to the audience, creating the illusion of virtual figures or objects appearing right before their eyes through realistic video technology. This will be an excellent opportunity to experience the advancements in cutting-edge video technology.

To enhance the festival's educational aspect, a special lecture has been arranged. Heo Sung-bum, an AI researcher from KAIST well-known for the survival program 'University War,' will deliver a lecture providing deep insights into the principles, future, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence. His lecture is expected to provide valuable information, especially for teenagers and parents interested in the AI field. Researcher Heo Sung-bum is renowned for explaining complex AI concepts in an easy-to-understand manner, catering to the public's perspective, which will likely help many citizens deepen their understanding of AI.

 
Nurturing Future Talent: Youth Competitions

Beyond mere experience and exhibition, the Anyang Smartum Festival also focuses on strengthening the capabilities of young people who will lead future society. During the festival, youth competitions will be held across three fields – robotics, coding, and drones – with seven different events.

Robotics Competition: Participating youth will build and program robots to complete given missions. This contributes to improving problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and teamwork.
Coding Competition: The coding competition, which tests logical thinking and programming skills, stimulates young people's interest in software development and provides an opportunity to demonstrate their potential as future IT talent.
Drone Competition: The drone competition, which assesses drone piloting skills and problem-solving abilities using drones, enhances young people's understanding of cutting-edge technology and encourages the acquisition of practical skills.
These competitions will provide valuable experiences for young people to unleash their potential and further cultivate their interest in future technology fields. They will also gain opportunities to learn and grow through competition, motivating them to become future leaders of society. Anyang City plans to provide continuous support and mentoring to outstanding talents discovered through these competitions, helping them grow into leaders in future technology fields.

 
Mayor Choi Dae-ho Emphasizes "Special Opportunity for Future Technology Experience"

Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho expressed his deep anticipation for this festival. He emphasized, "It will be a special opportunity for citizens to directly experience and enjoy rapidly changing future technologies," adding, "I hope families will spend a beneficial and enjoyable time together at the Anyang Smartum Festival." Mayor Choi's remarks demonstrate Anyang City's strong commitment to leading the 4th Industrial Revolution era and providing future-oriented educational and experiential opportunities to its citizens.

Anyang City has made various efforts to strengthen its identity as a smart city. With the goal of establishing 'Anyang-type Smart City,' it has applied advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to solve urban problems and expanded smart services to improve citizens' quality of life. The 'Anyang Smartum Festival' is part of these efforts, an important event that helps citizens enhance their understanding of smart technology and adapt to future society.

This festival clearly showcases Anyang City's vision of moving beyond a mere residential city to an innovative city that leads future technology and grows with its citizens. It is expected to be a meaningful time for citizens of all ages to learn, enjoy, and communicate through cutting-edge technology, preparing for the future.

Further details about the festival can be found on the Anyang City Hall website, and strong public interest and participation are expected.