Taichung uses AI cameras, drones to crack down on illegal open burning

台中市運用AI攝影機、無人機打擊違法露天燃燒

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung’s Environmental Protection Bureau said Saturday that its artificial intelligence camera system and aerial drones have detected hundreds of cases of illegal open burning, resulting in NT$1.28 million (US$39,000) in fines, according to a Taichung City Government press release.

The bureau said it began deploying AI smoke-detecting cameras along with drones in 2022. When the camera system detects abnormal air pollution, it alerts authorities, who then deploy drones and send inspectors to the location.

The bureau said the ground-and-air surveillance network has caught hundreds of cases of unauthorized open burning, with fines totaling NT$1.28 million. The bureau added that nearly 170 AI smoke-detection systems have been installed across Taichung to improve enforcement efficiency.

The bureau said open burning harms air quality and may cause fires. Under the Air Pollution Control Act, violators can be fined up to NT$100,000, while industrial or commercial facilities can face fines of up to NT$5 million, the bureau said.