The Internet of Things and the Connected City: A Promising Duo
With advances in data analytics and Cloud storage, the possibilities of accumulating and processing information are increasing. In addition, wireless technologies, cameras and sensors are accessible and inexpensive; a large number of objects are now connected to the Internet, even some toys for children.
This progress allows us to dream about hyper-connected infrastructures that can generate real-time data and create value for cities and their citizens. This represents enormous opportunities to better utilize municipal resources, meet the needs of residents and generate savings. Some cities around the world already stand out with cutting-edge programs that really make them evolve, and inspire others to make better use of these opportunities.
Connected objects are everywhere! Do you know where, at what level and why they intervene? Here is an overview:
Road congestion
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) use different sensors to detect congestion and problem areas in traffic. With cameras that monitor offenses, cities are able to obtain real-time information to improve transportation security and fluidity.
Water Management
Sensors can detect leaks or changes in pressure in the pipes to determine if the infrastructure that carries the water is working properly and if maintenance is needed.
Parking
The application coordination and smart parking terminals allow people to easily know when and where they can park. Rejoicing, is not it?
Bridges and infrastructure
Sensors on the structure of bridges, roads and viaducts can send information to the engineers who take care of their maintenance.
Moving autonomous vehicles Driverless
Cars transport people in and out of the city while passengers can do something else.
Waste management
Sensors can transmit information on the amount of waste in the public receptacles in order to optimize the collection route. No more bins that overflow!
Fire Prevention
Sensors pick up the pulse of fire-prone locations and can send signals to firefighters in the event of a fire.
Lighting
LED bulbs that adapt to the weather and can send a signal when they need to be changed: great!
Power Generation
Facilities where energy is produced can be monitored by different systems to detect hazardous situations or schedule maintenance.
Logistics and Transportation
Intelligent logistics and inventory management systems optimize transportation and help the environment by reducing vehicle mileage. The management of municipal fleets is also facilitated by the communication of information from the vehicles themselves.
Drones
The use of drones opens the way to a multitude of uses for cities. From the inspection of infrastructures to interventions during fires, these devices are definitely part of the future!
Surveillance
Surveillance cameras play an active role in the safety of cities, particularly in places that are less covered by police services. Cameras can also be worn by agents to capture images in real time during events.
Team work to better cities
All these possibilities and innovations are just the beginning! People and things will be able to transmit even more data in order to feed systems of various kinds that aim to improve the quality of life of citizens. Cities can develop applications and provide sensors or other devices to citizens so that they can participate in the data ecosystem. Beyond all these possibilities, certain issues are emerging for urban agglomerations:
- Demonstrate the relevance of information coming from connected objects;
- To be able to link the multiple sources and the large amount of data that is produced;
- Manage access to data to ensure the right people access the information
- Effectively transmit and integrate data to different management systems.
The cities of the future will certainly be connected to people and objects! They will be to better serve their people, meet current needs and anticipate the future.
