Cities don’t get smaller; they get bigger, and with bigger cities comes the need for bigger and better technologies. With the technology is ingrained in our lives, from the way we read the news to how we drive our vehicles, what does this all mean for our city infrastructures moving forward? Let’s take a look.
According to the United Nations, “68% of the world population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050.” Furthermore, it was found by IDC that, “smart city technology spending reached $80 billion in 2016, and is expected to grow to $135 billion by 2021.” It’s clear that cities have been and are continuing to go through a transformational process that requires a deeper dive into “smart” initiatives.
Per TechRepublic, “a smart city uses Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and technology to connect components across a city to derive data and improve the lives of citizens and visitors.”
IoT, in addition to Big Data, are two technologies that makes living in a city easier and more comfortable. They are what increases efficiencies of urban dwelling, saving people time, money and resources. How exactly can a smart city give back? Intel-sponsored study by Juniper Research reports that, “smart cities have the potential to “give back” 125 hours to every resident every year.” The report also indicated that there are four key areas that will be most influenced by the smart city movement: mobility, healthcare, public safety and productivity. Time is saved in these four key areas by employing smarter traffic systems, preventative healthcare apps and more.
Smart cities and the technologies that power them are more than just buzzwords. The transformations have already begun across major US cities like Chicago, New York, Miami, and more, and international ones such as Amsterdam, Singapore and Dubai. As technologies progress, it’s clear that smart cities will only become smarter and become an integral part of urban city living.