How Cities Are Using IoT to Become Smarter and More Efficient
From reducing traffic congestion to improving public safety, cities around the world are turning to the Internet of Things (IoT) to solve urban challenges and improve efficiency. As more devices and objects become interconnected, cities have an unprecedented opportunity to collect and analyze data to gain insights that can inform better decision making. Here’s an in-depth look at how smart cities are leveraging IoT today.
Traffic Management
One of the biggest problems facing cities is traffic congestion, which wastes time, hurts productivity, and causes pollution. IoT sensors and connected infrastructure are helping transportation departments better monitor and respond to traffic patterns in real-time.
Sensors to Detect Traffic Patterns
Roadways and intersections are being equipped with IoT sensors to detect the flow of vehicles, pinpoint incidents, and identify congestion hotspots. These sensors can track vehicle speeds, monitor traffic volume, and gather data on factors impacting traffic flow. The insights allow cities to adjust traffic signals based on real-time conditions to keep vehicles moving.
For example, Los Angeles installed loop detectors across its road network that send traffic data to a central system every 30 seconds. This enables traffic signals to adapt in real-time based on actual traffic conditions. The city has seen travel times reduced by 12% due to the responsive signals.
Connected Infrastructure to Inform Drivers
Cities are also installing smart kiosks, dynamic message signs, and web apps to provide real-time traffic information directly to drivers. By connecting road signs and displays to central traffic management systems, cities can notify drivers of congestion, accidents, or suggested route changes to avoid delays.
For instance, Seattle’s SMART Trek system utilizes 55 electronic signs to provide real-time traffic alerts and estimated travel times to drivers along the I-5 corridor. This allows motorists to make informed decisions to save time and avoid backups.
Public Transit Optimization
IoT enables cities to collect vast amounts of data about public transit usage patterns. Applying analytics helps them better understand demand, boost operational efficiency, and provide a smoother rider experience.
Sensors to Analyze Usage
Public transit agencies are outfitting buses, trains, and stations with IoT sensors to closely monitor assets and analyze usage. Motion sensors, cameras, Bluetooth/WiFi, and other sensors give detailed insights into how many people use which stations and vehicles at different times of day.
For example, Chicago’s CTA trains have IoT sensors that track boarding and exiting patterns at each station. This provides data to help the CTA align schedules, frequencies, and car configurations to meet real-time rider demand.
Connected Infrastructure to Inform Riders
Digital signage, public WiFi, and smartphone apps powered by real-time data give riders better information to plan trips. Display screens at stations and on vehicles can provide scheduled arrival times, service alerts, and routing information. Riders can also access real-time transit data on apps.
For instance, Boston’s MBTA displays real-time train arrival predictions on digital signs at stations, enabling riders to plan their journeys accordingly. Riders can also check bus locations and predicted arrival times at stops through the MBTA’s smartphone app.
Public Safety and Security
IoT-enabled infrastructure allows cities to expand monitoring across public areas to enhance safety and security. Authorities can identify incidents and dispatch assistance more quickly.
Sensors to Detect Incidents
Security cameras and gunshot detection systems connected to IoT networks use artificial intelligence to automatically detect potential incidents and dangers in public areas. These systems can instantly alert authorities and provide critical information like location.
Chicago has installed a citywide network of surveillance cameras that use AI to recognize guns and alert police within seconds. This has reduced response times substantially compared to emergency calls.
Infrastructure to Deter Crime
Smart streetlights that brighten automatically when gunshots are detected can deter crime. Light reduces opportunities for criminals to act undetected. Brightening also draws attention to the location to discourage further activity.
For example, Newark installed smart LED streetlights that brighten temporarily when gunfire is detected. This has helped deter crime in high-risk areas of the city. Gun-related crime decreased by 7% in Newark after installation.
Smart Waste Management
IoT enables cities to optimize trash, recycling, and compost collection based on real-time insights. This improves efficiency and lowers costs while keeping streets clean.
Sensors to Monitor Fill Levels
Smart waste bins use ultrasound sensors or infrared light beams to assess fill levels. The sensors transmit data so waste management departments know when bins reach capacity thresholds and need to be emptied. This prevents overflows while eliminating unnecessary truck rolls.
Barcelona saves $4.5 million per year after installing smart bins. The city only empties bins when they are 70%+ full, reducing truck runs by 20%. Overflowing bins have been nearly eliminated.
Infrastructure to Route Collections
Waste collection trucks are being equipped with GPS and IoT connectivity. The trucks send location, speed, and other data to cloud platforms to optimize routes and loading schedules dynamically based on need.
For example, the NYC Department of Sanitation has fitted trucks with sensors and software to analyze real-time traffic, road closures, and other data to continually re-route for efficiency as conditions change. This has reduced mileage and fuel consumption.
The Future with 5G and Edge Computing
As 5G networks roll out, cities will unlock new possibilities for real-time monitoring and communication between IoT devices. Along with edge computing, 5G enables ultra low-latency data transmission, allowing quicker insights and responses to events. Prioritizing and allocating city resources will become more automated and seamless. This infrastructure will facilitate data sharing across city departments and allow for predictive analytics to improve future planning. IoT innovation in cities has only scratched the surface of its potential.
