The urban evolution is here! It’s creating a connected ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence systems to accomplish one simple goal: a better quality of life. Although the focus of these smart cities remains the same, the methods to achieve that are evolving with technological advancements. This way, the smart city project embraces an approach that empowers us, as individuals, to use technology in rethinking fundamental city operations.
From 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to AI-powered data analytics, here are 5 smart city trends we expect to see in 2024.
- 5G Connection and IoT Integration
Smart cities rely on IoT technology, linking systems with our devices to share data and even automate tasks to create a more efficient and smart urban ecosystem. For this reason, integrating such IoT devices with 5G networks will accelerate the development of a smart city project.
The high-speed, lower-latency connectivity provided by 5G networks can power the entire smart city and its applications. In 2024, there will be a rapid increase in the adoption of smart sensors that provide and monitor everything, including real-time traffic data, smart surveillance systems, and even air quality monitoring. This trend will be incredible in helping cities make environmentally conscious decisions.
- Digital Citizen
The smart cities of the future prioritize collaborative community and citizen engagement. For this reason, they focus on digital inclusivity, ensuring everyone has access to technology – even people in rural areas. Digital inclusivity also refers to the idea that we all should have a voice in the future of our city. Local community platforms offer features like online voting and virtual meetings with officials, making it easier for everyone to get involved, no matter where they are.
For example, eAgora, a Spanish startup, simplifies the administration-collaboration process, providing all municipalities with a digital and unified citizenship platform. From collecting e-waste to digital voting, public announcements, and even road incidents, eAgora allows everyone to be up-to-date with everything happening around them.
- Smart Mobility and Sustainable Transportation
Urban congestion has become an issue in most big cities around the world. However, as environmental concerns are increasingly becoming an issue, smart cities want to take charge of this. For this reason, in 2024, the focus will be on encouraging people to choose sustainable transportation options – especially electric vehicles.
Whether it is a ride-sharing electric bike or an autonomous vehicle, smart cities continue to invest in developing an infrastructure that enables access to such vehicles. This is especially true for creating equitable access to public EV charging stations. Even more so, expect to see public transportation solutions with electric or at least low-emissions buses.
- Public Safety
To improve the quality of our lives, one aspect that municipalities must consider: is public safety and security. With the help of digitalization, cities can introduce surveillance networks, live crime mapping, smart street lighting, and even predictive law enforcement. All of these can anticipate and prevent incidents, mitigate fire risks, and overall decrease crime rates.
Intelense has already embraced this smart city project trend, offering real-time data analytics for traffic management and emergency response. Their platform can identify behavioral anomalies, such as trespassing, shoplifting, and petty thefts, helping police departments handle crime issues faster.
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