Enough About Smart Apps, Let’s Talk Smart Cities

“Smart Cities” is not a pick from a sci-fi novel or a Marvel movie anymore! They exist (though a huge number of them are either planned or under construction) and they are here to affect human life profoundly. Soon these ultra-modern cities will be an integral part of our lives.

If you are a part of city civilization, you must have observed that we are living in an ecosphere surrounded by user-friendly information. This data is available to us via the Internet. The concept of Smart City is developed from the maximum utilization of various data sources to improve human life in the city area.

To collect, proceed, and analyze the valuable data, we are using various pioneering technologies of IT, Communication, and the Internet of Things (IoT).  However, integration of these technologies with existing city infrastructure is one of the primary requirements for the practical implementation of different technical and social innovations.

Many countries have adopted the concept of Smart Cities to address several seriously growing issues such as traffic, pollution, parking, energy, transportation, etc. It enables governments and individuals to make intelligent decisions and experience digital transformation.

What Is a Smart City?

Smart City is the latest urban concept that connects different resources of a city with each other utilizing the advanced Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and IoT. ICT can be connected with city infrastructure and enable officials to monitor the various ongoing activities across the city. For instance; they can examine, how the city is evolving, how individuals are moving towards a better life quality, and much more.

Integration of IoT sensors with real-time monitoring systems collects data from citizens and devices. This data can be proceeded and analyzed to identify the issues around the city. It aids governments and municipalities to take steps for the betterment of people’s lives. For example; sensors allow us to manage traffic signals and street lights wirelessly at the least cost.

There can be many other scenarios where the smart City concept helps uplift human life by providing them with a more dynamic environment to live in. Moreover, Smart City facilitates the urban municipality with data on the latest global challenges such as scarcity of resources, climate changes, and so on. Eventually, Smart City improves the economic competitiveness of urban populations by raising their living standards.

The ultimate goal of the Smart City concept is to deliver highly advanced services to citizens and businesses using breakthrough technology platforms so that they can achieve sustainable growth.

Future of Smart Cities

The invention of Smartphones enabled us to access the Internet anywhere anytime with a single touch. Then it was the time of mobile apps snatched the attention of people. Now, the world is moving ahead to explore how smartphones interact with the varied hi-tech technologies of IoT, Communication, and IT to transform a city into a digitized place. Well, public participation is equally important for the fruitful adoption of smart ideas that are already on the floor or on the way.

Offering an efficient environment, cities can attract highly skilled individuals and enable businesses to gain more productivity and profit. The concept encourages urbanization by addressing various critical concerns of cities such as smart waste management, smart parking, smart traffic control, etc.

With the introduction of IoT, cities are transformed into wealthier and healthier living places. It drives enormous opportunities for cost reduction, revenue generation, operational efficiency, and improvement in overall customer experience and values. But the digital transformation is not possible overnight. It requires lots of effort to enhance the capabilities of existing infrastructure and resources so that they can easily adopt and execute the dynamic offerings of the Smart Cities concept.

Benefits of having smart cities

Although they require enormous investment, there is no doubt that smart cities can change the way we function socially, environmentally, and economically. Being a part of a smart city is inevitable and the sooner we embrace the fact, the better it is. Listed below are six reasons why we need smart cities for ourselves:

1. First, smart cities are efficient and they are designed for optimum usage and distribution of resources and physical space (land). They have a better infrastructure which simplifies everyday life for people who live and work in the city.
2. Secondly, smart city projects lessen the risk factors in the city. For instance, AI-powered apps help identify and staff the police in high-risk areas and help better plan for expansion based on the citywide population growth trends.
3. Thirdly, smart cities give rise to employment (and positively impact the economy) as the maintenance of smart cities requires a conscious workforce to review and amend the processes. Hiring talent regularly is a necessity.
4. Fourthly, smart cities are environment-friendly. There are specific digital solutions that can track air purity levels and identify pollution causes — delivering relevant data to the administration to take appropriate measures.
5. Fifthly, smart cities boost the productivity of citizens and administration. For example, the cameras at a bus stop can identify how many people are waiting to board, and the sensors on the approaching bus can tell how many people can comfortably take the bus at a given point.
6. Lastly, smart technologies ensure the efficient utilization of public facilities. Smart sensors allow city administrations to spot leaks in the pipes and fix damaged segments in a short period — thus reducing unnecessary water loss.

Technologies contributing to the development of smart cities

Think “smart cities,” and it is hard not to think of them as an umbrella term that encompasses multiple devices, sensors, and autonomous vehicles — all connected.

Of course, this concept would not be possible without the advancement of technology. So let us look at the factors contributing to the growth of smart cities:

1. Presence of wireless connectivity

Building a wireless network is the first step towards becoming a Smart City. That is because no device can communicate with each other without the presence of WiFi. Plus, a city may gather data from sensors embedded in the roadways, buildings and power grids, and smart devices and create and communicate valuable information to the stakeholders via WiFi. 

2. Integration of 5G technology

With 5G steadily becoming a reality for many countries, it would not be surprising to empower specific areas of a smart city like industry growth, city governance, and citizen services.

From facial recognition identification and energy management systems to intelligent traffic planning and AR-assisted navigation to drone deliveries and remote interactive learning — 5G can make various things possible in smart cities.

3. Usage of edge computing

Simply defined, edge computing is a paradigm that brings data storage and computation closer to the location where it is required to optimize response times and save bandwidth. Smart city apps require instant IoT analytics services, which, in turn, need to leverage edge computing.

The concept ensures data stored in a central location is more accessible, offering greater availability for shared open data agreements between the public and private sectors.

Because of edge computing, the data streams can lead to more concrete forms of innovation and new digital design in smart cities.

4. Evolution of Industry 4.0 and Big Data

Industry 4.0 has given rise to intelligent transport and logistics in smart mobility and smart logistics. Interconnection of the systems has evolved the transportation processes and made the use of connected vehicles possible.

For instance, linking information from process-based Industry 4.0 with smart transport systems can result in effective and demand-oriented manufacturing enterprises, leading to higher productivity levels of those working in the units.

5. Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies

LPWAN is extensively used to enhance people’s lives and address public safety. Purposefully developed for low cost, low power, and large-scale industrial applications, LPWAN technologies offer dynamic citywide connectivity, supporting a vibrant, smart city ecosystem. 

The solid, long-range radio link enables reliable data communications from even the most challenging locations such as parking garages and basements. The functionality is naturally supported by a range of monitoring and non-safety apps.

Examples of Smart City

Smart Parking

Smart parking enables the city to earn a higher profit by utilizing the same parking space frequently. The spaces can be utilized up to their fullest capacity. It also boosts the number of bucks.

Smart Waste Management

Implementation of smart waste management solution enables cities to reduce costing by installing sensors inside the bins. It helps in monitoring the level of trash in each bin. Bins can be emptied only when they are full. So, there is no need to follow any standardize process to collect the waste from bins frequently.
When the bins are full, the respective department will get notifications through the sensors. Waste collecting truck can empty the bin. This project reduces the number of waste collecting vehicles on the street on average. It obviously reduces the traffic and fuel cost.

Smart Lighting

Decrease electricity consumption using smart lighting. Intelligent lighting control can contain dimming lights on streets without traffic and pedestrians. Many times, smart lighting systems are equipped with central management software that tracks usage and leads to maintenance efficiency.

Of course, the concept cannot be completed without smartphone apps where Intuz comes into the picture.

Constantly focusing on advanced mobile app development, we are eager to adopt and execute the latest technologies. During a decade-long industry experience, we helped our clients automate their business processes and earn maximum ROI.

Book a Free 45-minute Consultation with Our IoT Experts Today! Get a customized roadmap and strategies to leverage IoT for your smart city needs. Let's transform urban living together!