IoT and Edge computing are an environment comprised of hardware components; sensors, cameras, meters, vehicles, and other Physical things connected to the internet and are capable of communicating and collecting information. These devices could observe many attributes of an urban area including traffic, air quality, energy consumption and water level to the urban managers and inhabitants in a timely manner.
These devices also have the capacity to send information to and from other IoT devices and more to the cloud services to facilitate automation and optimisation of several processes and systems. Edge computing is a way to perform data and analytics services locally on a network rather than in a centralized data centre, or in cloud. Edge computing helps to decrease the data transfer latency, occupancy, and costs, and increase the security of the data.
How can IoT and edge computing enable smart cities?
IoT and edge computing can enable smart cities by providing the following benefits:
Efficiency
Through the analysis of big data and real-time processing, IoT and edge computing can aid in the way resources. And then services are consumed in a city, including energy, water, transportation and waste disposal. For instance, smart-metering provides consumption control for structures and appliances besides adapting the energy supply and demand by relating to the consumer inclination. Lastly street lights can be adjusted to the level of utilization and weather condition in such areas as beacons. Thus assisting in managing energy consumption. In smart waste bins, the fill level can be sensed and the applied service can be notified when the bin is full and it is time to be collected.
Sustainability
IoT and edge computing enable cities to increase the use of green solutions and decrease the levels of negative impact on the environment. Forexample smart sensors can also be used to measure the quality of air in certain areas and emissions of various sources. And give feedback on reduction of pollution in exchange for incentives. Parks and gardens can be monitor and controlled the water levels and quality through using smart irrigation systems. The watering of these areas can also be manipulated by the existing environmental conditions and on the availability of water. Smart grid can incorporate a renewable power like sun and wind and manage the availability. And consumption of electricity to cut down on fossil fuels and emissions of greenhouse gas.
Livability:
IoT and DC make it possible for cities to enhance the quality of life and satisfaction of those living and visiting the cities. For instance, smart mobility solutions can include route and mode options of demand that can be shared in real-time providing an optimal path and time. It can identify and perhaps book the available parking lots to ease the headache that comes with this inconvenience. Built environment applications can make occupants comfortable offering solutions. Like lighting, temperature, air quality, etcetera making them healthy and productive.
Smart city key issues and possibilities
Although IoT and edge computing can be beneficial to smart cities in many ways, these technologies also have their difficulties and possibilities. Some of the main Issues include:
Security and privacy
Smart devices in IoT form and forward huge data which can be at risk of being hacked, breached, or even misused. To implement smart cities those data should be protected and encrypted. The users must to have the rights over own information and preferences.
Interoperability and standardization
Internet of things and the edge devices are heterogeneous in nature which comes from different vendors, platforms, and protocols sometimes cause compatibility and integration problems. For smart cities, there has to be standardization across the devices. The framework on how the latter communicate with each other.
Scalability and reliability
The critical environment in which IoT and edge devices are deployed is dynamic and challenging, as it causes impacts on the devices’ performance and reliability. Furthermore, smart cities have to assure that the devices can be adjusted in size according to neediness and burden. It can promptly and effectively rebound from crashes or blunders.
Some of the main Possibilities include:
Innovation and collaboration
The Internet of Things and edge devices create new and better services and solutions that make the city experience richer and address many issues. For smart cities, it is possible to create conditions for innovative synergies between various players on different levels. Morever Governmental, business, academic, and non-governmental – to generate and co-produce values for the citizens.
Inclusion and participation
IoT and edge devices enable the citizens to use and/or provide data and services that influence their live. Citizens and different stakeholders can play in smart cities. In addition to, the smart city can enhance the opportunities for the citizens to actively contribute to the different processes and participate. To share their opinions and feedbacks or their preferences and co-create and co -implement the satisfactory solutions. That can respond to the needs and the visions of the citizens.
Learning and adaptation
IoT and edge devices generate high-quality and timely data and knowledge which can enhance the decision-making and the policymaking activities. Smart cities can use data and analytics to assimilate knowledge based on what happened in the past. Present and apply those on the future changes and contingencies.
Some case studies and the concept of the Smart Cities
Here are some examples and best practices of smart cities around the world:
Singapore
Singapore is already recognized as one of the most intelligent and friendly countries that can become the model of the effective IoT and edge strategies. Some of its key projects include Smart Nation, the societal project with an ambition to utilise information.What’s more these technologies to make people’s and the economy’s lives better. Smart Mobility 2030, the transport-oriented application of IoT and edge devices to work towards alleviating traffic jams and pollution. These Nation Sensor Platform, the physical network of sensors and cameras across the city.
Barcelona
Next Barcelona is still another smart city that utilizes IoT and edge technologies to enhance the quality and administration of a city. Some of the current projects the city has embarked on include Barcelonaa Wi-Fi, a project. That offers a free and fast internet connection to the inhabitants of Barcelona and tourists Barcelona Lighting Master Plan. Morever smart street lighting that enhances users’ security. Besides consuming minimal energy and Barcelona Urban Lab, which is an open innovation.
Columbus
Columbus is the winner of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge, which awarded the city $40 million to implement its vision of becoming a smart city. Some of its notable initiatives include Smart Columbus Operating System. Which is a data platform that integrates and analyzes data from various sources and devices to improve the city’s operations and services. Smart Columbus Mobility Assistance for People with Cognitive Disabilities. Morever it uses IoT and edge devices to provide personalized and accessible transportation options for people. With cognitive disabilities and Smart Columbus Electric Vehicle Adoption.
Conclusion
Smart city and enhancement of urban living can succeed with IoT and edge computing as the platforms for these innovations. Integrating IoT and edge devices into the design of smart city means that smart city is more efficient, sustainable, more livable for people. And more capable for turnover of the urbanization food chain of bottles and challenges. Inaddition Smart cities can also create value for the citizens as well as the society. By promoting innovation, collaboration, inclusion, participation, learning and adaptation. By the citizens as stakeholders in the smart cities.
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