You've probably heard the term "smart city" but may not fully understand what it means. As technology expands and people become more interconnected than ever before, demands for higher quality of life continue to grow. In this blog, we'll explore what a smart city is and the technology needed for it to thrive.
What is a smart city?
The definition of a "smart city" is not universally agreed upon. Each city has its own goals and focuses, such as carbon reduction, introduction of electric vehicles, or implementing 5G Wi-Fi services across all areas. Any city that pursues these initiatives considers itself "smart." At its core, a smart city uses technology and data collection to improve the quality of life, efficiency, and sustainability of urban operations.
By identifying the needs of people within the city and assessing the city's own capabilities, urban areas around the world are able to transform themselves into smart cities. For example, Boston is recognized for its advanced business ecosystems with high-speed internet, while Vienna, Austria is celebrated for its implementation of green energy throughout its districts. Each city considers itself smart, but both satisfy different needs of their citizens.
Essential technologies for your city's smart infrastructure
Becoming a smart city means embracing evolving technologies that empower cities to respond to changes in their urban environments. Let's examine some essential technologies you need to implement as the first step toward developing a smart city.
Real-time data collection is central to any smart city initiative. The ability to collect and interpret data leads to data-driven insights that identify areas for improvement, enhance urban planning, and ultimately improve quality of life for citizens. The Internet of Things (IoT) and other communication technologies are essential for effective data collection.
Technology can only perform as well as its underlying energy systems allow. Artificial intelligence within your infrastructure can help manage electrical grids to accurately and efficiently control energy output. Applying predictive asset optimization with AI and IoT extends asset lifespan and reduces resource consumption, leading to decreased carbon waste and reduced oil and gas consumption.
This technology lies at the core of smart city transformation. After implementing data collection and smart energy systems, cities need robust platforms to store and analyze their data. Cloud computing technology allows complex data to be processed and analyzed to identify trends throughout the smart city ecosystem. This enables the delivery of responsive and personalized services to citizens, helping cities adapt to changes in public safety, communication, and other critical areas.
The future of smart cities
A truly smart city addresses the needs of its citizens by utilizing real data to enhance their quality of life. Since every city has unique needs, smart cities are all different and distinctly their own. Looking ahead, the role that technology plays in advancing our urban centers demonstrates how significantly people's lives are evolving. Regardless of which aspect of city planning is being transformed, technology will always remain at the forefront of innovation.