The smart city concept describes any urban area that uses mass digital technology to drive performance and improve the quality of life for the public. A smart city is much more efficient and sustainable, leveraging the best technology and infrastructure networks to create more liveable urban areas. As technology has grown, cities and businesses have become more reliant on technology than ever before. According to research, more than forty Swiss cities are already engaging with the smart city concept, with a small number having a strategy in place for further development. There’s no doubt that the continued rise of technology has paved the way for smart cities. Below, we discuss the different ways technology is having an impact on urban areas.

Hyper-connectivity

Society has become more hyper-connected than ever before. The rise of 5G creates several opportunities for improved digital experiences and smart cities. 5G technology is paving the way for hyperconnectivity and it has the potential to have a huge impact on smart cities if used correctly. For example, 5G offers greater device density, which will benefit internet connections in crowded areas, like stadiums and busy town centres. With 5G, it will be possible to have large numbers of connections, making city life much more efficient and streamlined.

Transport networks

In Switzerland, the urban transport system is in great condition and very much leads the way internationally. The country is home to some of the most technologically advanced transport systems, which has created more digital-friendly cities. For example, ABB flash-charging technology has been powering buses in Geneva for the past few years. The electric bus solution allows for more efficient transport, improves the commuting experience and ensures greater sustainability. Therefore, technology has paved the way for smart transportation in cities and over the coming years, transport will likely continue to become even more efficient and data-driven.

Internet of things

There’s no question that there are growing opportunities in urban areas as a result of the Internet of Things and smart data. For example, if cities implement this correctly, IoT offers a range of opportunities for cities to more effectively manage traffic, reduce pollution and make better use of infrastructure. Other IoT solutions that could become commonplace include smart waste management, which can help optimise and alleviate the build-up of waste. Then there’s also air management and a cloud-based software suite “The City Air Management Tool” has been developed to capture data about pollution and forecast emissions. Above all, there’s a range of tech solutions driven by IoT that have the potential to revolutionise modern cities. As the world’s population grows, there will be a greater need for smarter cities with the best technological resources.

Smart energy

When it comes to smart cities, there is huge scope for technologies to improve energy efficiency. For example, smart grid solutions will play a key role in the development of smart cities, from enhanced metering to enhance energy services. With increased technology, this will likely give way to smart buildings that monitor data in real-time. There’s also now a growing number of electric production in Switzerland and smart metres are now commonplace in homes. Above all, smart energy remains a key component of the smart city and intelligent technologies are a vital element to a future where every city is highly efficient, sustainable and safe.

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