In the midst of the technological revolution we are experiencing, the concept of smart city is becoming increasingly important. Cities around the world are adopting the idea of connecting their different objects and devices to the network in order to achieve greater energy efficiency and thus contribute to sustainability. This, in turn, results in a higher quality of life for citizens.
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One of the disruptive technologies that is becoming indispensable for transforming cities into smart cities is the Internet of Things ( IOT ). Today, this type of is being applied in a wide variety of sectors and industries. However, it is indisputable that the IOT has great potential in the digital transformation of traditional cities, turning them into sustainable and efficient cities.
So, what is a smart city and what is the relationship between the Internet of Things and smart cities? We will tell you in this article.
What is a smart city?
Smart cities are urban environments that use information and communication technologies (ICT) in their networks, services and infrastructure to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants, optimize resource management and promote sustainability.
The main objective of a smart city is to solve the problems related to increasing urbanization and improve the quality of life of its citizens. Read Also:
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Smart cities are based on 4 main ideas:
- Environment and energy.
- Fluid communication between different actors: citizens, companies and organizations.
- Sharing of goods and services.
- Integration of new technologies in the management of the elements that make up the city.
Thanks to smart cities, the ability to create more habitable and sustainable urban spaces is a reality, as is better care for the environment .
What is the relationship between the Internet of Things and smart cities?
IoT technology is essential for the functioning of a smart city. These cities use a wide range of IoT sensors and devices connected to the Internet.
This intelligent network of objects generates vast amounts of real-time data that can be collected and stored. This data storage enables authorities to perform analyses to make informed decisions about traffic, energy management, air quality, carbon emission reduction and other factors with the aim of improving citizens’ quality of life and caring for the environment.
In turn, the Internet of Things allows assets to be managed remotely and thus optimize the operation of each one of them.
The utility of IoT in cities is very broad and can be adapted to any type of space and city. To better understand the role this technology plays in smart cities, let’s analyze some of its applications.
How can we apply the Internet of Things in smart cities?
The most significant applications of IoT that contribute to the development of increasingly smart and sustainable cities include:
- Remote traffic management . The installation of sensors, cameras and IoT devices makes it possible to measure traffic flow in real time. This, in turn, makes it possible to manage traffic remotely and thus reduce congestion on the streets. Travel is therefore more efficient and accidents are also reduced.
- Remote management of public parking . IoT sensors installed in public parking lots help detect the availability of spaces and transmit that information to a mobile application. Thanks to this, drivers know where the nearest free parking space is, saving time and reducing carbon emissions by saving fuel.
- Smart street lighting . Integrating smart lighting systems into luminaires allows for remote and automatic management. In this way, it is possible to adapt the intensity of the lights according to environmental conditions, time, season and even location. In addition, other functions can also be programmed, such as switching the luminaires on and off.
- Public safety . Video surveillance systems are used in public and non-public areas. They can detect people and moving objects in order to identify suspicious behavior and alert the authorities in real time.
- Remote waste management . Waste containers can be equipped with sensors that monitor the filling level in real time and send information to waste management services so that they can optimize collection routes. This makes it possible to speed up the collection process and reduce operating costs.
- Improving air quality . IoT devices equipped with air quality sensors can monitor environmental parameters in different parts of the city. This makes it possible to detect the presence of pollutants and provide real-time data to authorities and citizens on air quality. This makes it easier to take measures to reduce pollution and protect public health.
Experts in integrating the Internet of Things in smart cities
At Alfaro we are experts in the development of projects aimed at supporting the digital transformation of cities towards smart cities. Among them, we highlight our smart city solutions implemented in cities and airports . In the former, we have contributed with the remote management of the luminaires and the implementation of intelligent lighting systems through IOT platforms connected to the devices. In the latter, we have implemented a system of electronic beacons through an that also allows the remote management and monitoring of the luminaires (switching on, switching off, information on their status and operation, etc.).
Conclusion
The integration of the Internet of Things is essential to achieve the digital transformation of traditional cities. The concept that results from the combination of these elements is called smart cities , which in turn leads to the creation of sustainable and efficient cities.
The main objective of a smart city is to achieve optimization in the provision of services, improvement of the quality of life of its citizens and environmental sustainability.
