On November 26, Germany's Tönnjes International Group and the German-Taiwanese joint venture Toennjes Leon unveiled an innovative AI anti-counterfeit license plate initiative at the GIS Convention Center of Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). The project aims to promote German IDePlate technology while leveraging Taiwan's semiconductor and AI innovation capabilities.
As Chen Ziang, a consultant for Toennjes Leon, noted, the embedded chip in the AI license plate demonstrates Taiwan's status as a "chip kingdom" and its expertise in AI technologies. The ultimate objective is to integrate these chips into AI-driven solutions, expanding the application of Taiwan-made semiconductors in global markets. Successful implementation in Taiwan could set a precedent for deploying AI anti-forgery license plates worldwide, further strengthening Taiwan's role in the high-performance computing ecosystem.
The AI license plates feature sophisticated security elements, including embedded NFC encryption chips, watermark designs featuring Taiwan's national flower (plum blossom), a "SECURE" reflective pattern, and a holographic laser displaying the ROC or TW logo. These features strengthen anti-counterfeiting capabilities, allowing car owners to access smart transportation, intelligent parking, and personalized services while enabling seamless vehicle identification through roadside AI systems.
By integrating "human-vehicle-road-cloud" connectivity, the initiative aims to establish Taiwan as a secure, tech-driven smart island. The team has developed customized prototypes featuring national emblems and Taiwanese totems to meet local needs, reflecting the global trend toward regionalization.
Jochen Betz, CEO of Tönnjes, announced that one of the company's two global production lines for AI anti-counterfeit license plates is now operational in Taiwan. This localized production improves adaptability to Taiwan's needs, ensures compliance with technical and data sovereignty regulations, and boosts production efficiency. Betz expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Taiwan's strategic partners to drive innovation across Asia and unlock new opportunities for AI applications.
With extensive experience in developing smart traffic solutions across Europe, South America, and Asia, Tönnjes has exported its technologies to Thailand and Malaysia. Toennjes Leon oversees project execution and marketing in Asia, working with key partners to pilot and expand deployment in Taiwan.
Dr. Eva Langerbeck, executive director of the German Trade Office in Taipei, highlighted the success of a 2022 MOTC-supported pilot project in Taoyuan. The project implemented a smart recognition system for large vehicles along Route 108, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI license plates in addressing social challenges.
The incorporation of banknote-level security features and passport-grade identification mechanisms prevents tampering and misuse, enhancing public safety. Dr. Langerbeck added that future efforts will focus on deepening Taiwan-Germany relations while highlighting the importance of Taiwan's investments in Germany.
