‘The Internet of Things’ impact on modern civilization cannot be overstated. It has enabled us to connect with our devices and our surroundings in some way. Cities are increasingly attempting to become “smart” rather than simply “developed” by utilising this technology. By 2050, approximately 70% of the world’s population would be living in urban areas, according to forecasts. While certain megacities are already straining to cope with the present influx of people, smart cities are needed to make these cities more liveable and sustainable.
Let’s have a look at some of the smart ways to enhance the quality of urban space efficiently:
1. Smart Infrastructures
Smart city solutions include the use of smart urban infrastructures that improve inhabitants’ quality of life. The following are some of the most common smart infrastructures found in smart cities.
- Smart Roads
Smart roads use sensors and Internet of Things technologies to make driving easier and safer. These roads provide drivers with real-time weather and road conditions information. They can also assist drivers in locating available parking spaces and preventing accidents by warning them to approach traffic. These roads are especially beneficial on mountain roads, where landslides are common. With the use of electromagnetic effects, roads equipped with electric vehicle charging capabilities can also charge electric vehicles driving over them.
- Smart Lights
Cities can use smart lights to ensure illumination in various locations based on lighting requests. These lights are powered by solar energy, which allows them to harvest energy during the day. Smart street lights save energy by turning on only when a vehicle or someone passes through their area. They also save energy by reducing lights in locations where there are few people, such as parking lots.
- Smart Parking Management
The development of smart parking management systems has been made possible by the use of in-ground vehicle detection sensors. These technologies assist cars in locating a free parking spot in a mall or city centre. Local signal processors in parking spaces are used by a central parking management system to convey an empty parking place to the nearest car. This minimises parking lot congestion, car emissions, and the stress that drivers experience when trying to find a parking spot.
The CV2X (cellular vehicle to everything) network includes smart traffic signals. Using this network, a traffic light can stay in touch with the connected cars at all times. These traffic signals receive real-time data from cars, allowing them to alter lights based on traffic circumstances. This prevents traffic congestion at crossings and allows for a smooth flow of traffic in a metropolis.
2. Smart Waste Management
Cities generate approximately 4.6 kilogrammes of solid garbage per inhabitant, according to statistics. The Internet of Things provides ground-breaking smart trash management technologies to gather and handle this massive amount of waste. These technologies are supporting towns in reducing garbage collection costs, reducing trash overflowing in bins, predicting waste development using analytics, and preventing the spread of dangerous diseases and pollutants.
It also allows towns to keep track of how much waste is in the trash cans and intervene before they overflow. The bins are equipped with sensors that inform municipalities of their level and location on a regular basis. This permits the authorities to reach the bins as quickly as possible before they overflow. Smart Waste Management systems enable garbage service administrators to cut costs, improve waste collection, and maintain environmental integrity to improve living in smart cities.
3. Smart Public Toilets – IPToilets
Smart public restrooms are intended to be clean, unattended public convenience facilities. Data on toilet usage and maintenance is transmitted via a control system located inside the toilets. The data is sent to a distant computer through the cloud using sensors. Supervisors or municipal authorities can utilise this information to ensure the operation and management of public restrooms.
Toilets can be shut off remotely to minimise unintentional use. IPToilet, an Indian firm has developed a smart public toilet with electronic sensors that keep it clean even when residents misuse it. After four to ten visits, the toilet floor will be cleaned automatically. In the event of a power outage or a water shortage, the toilets are fitted with a power and water backup system.
4. SolGreen – Urban Canopied Solar Table
For a variety of reasons, solar-powered outdoor furniture and infrastructure allow communities to create, store and utilise energy from the sun. People can use solar-powered gadgets to charge their devices or browse the internet in public locations by placing them on playgrounds, local parks, and other resting areas. Integration of emergency response systems is also possible.
The Evodia Solar Table is a maintenance-free, solar-powered charging station, canopied seating table, and renewable power source with energy storage developed by American firm SolGreen. GFE and USB device charging, LED lighting, Wi-Fi, and emergency response systems are among the other amenities.
Smart city solutions are built on the foundation of IoT sensors and advanced telemetry capabilities, allowing inhabitants to live a digitally optimised lifestyle. These solutions enable cities to improve their day-to-day operations and improve how citizens engage with civic infrastructures.
Cities are becoming safer, faster, more luxurious, and smarter as a result of various uses of these solutions in terms of utilities, infrastructures, and automated services. Smart cities will be the next big thing, thanks to the growing popularity of IoT in several fields.
References
IoT based Smart City Solutions for Urban & Metropolitan Cities. Available at https://www.biz4intellia.com/blog/smart-city-solutions/
5 Top Smart Public Furniture Solutions Impacting Smart Cities. Available at https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/5-top-smart-public-furniture-solutions-impacting-smart-cities/
