Developing Smart Cities
Source - Deloitte
As we edge closer towards the ideologies and theories of futuristic cities with IoT and smart technology, the need for problem-solving grows side-by-side. There remains a vast number of unique problems all manufacturers or builders face at some point or other in their solutions and ideas. Some of these smart city challenges can be elaborated as follows.



Infrastructure

Smart Cities employ sensor technology to accumulate and analyse insights to enhance the quality of life for residents. Sensors collect a massive amount of data from various sources, such as gathering data points from rush hour stats or crime rates or air quality.

Complex and costly infrastructure is needed for installing and maintaining these sensors. How will these sensors be powered? Will it include hard-wiring, solar energy, or battery operated? We can estimate that the ideal power management system would perhaps include a combination of all three.

Cybersecurity

As the Industrial Internet of Things and sensor technology usage increases, so does the threat level to security. Recent instances involving cyber-terror threats to unprotected and archaic power grids have everyone a bit more apprehensive and sceptical about technology and security.

Smart Cities must strive to invest more money and resources into cybersecurity solutions, which established companies are striving to create with new built-in functionalities to protect against hacking and cybercrimes.

Privacy Concerns

While the notion of smart cities will help aspects like transport, electricity usage, and health, it is essential to maintain the balance between the quality of life and invasion of privacy. Surveillance cameras installed on every street corner may help prevent crime, but they can also instil fear and paranoia in law-abiding residents. The other key concern is the amount of data collected from all the smart sensors which residents would regularly use every day.

Educating the General Public

For a Smart City to absolutely sustain and thrive, it requires ‘smart’ residents as well, who are excited and actively taking advantage of these new-age technologies. In any advanced city-wide tech project, a component of the implementation process must include educating and enlightening the public on uses and advantages of smart cities, especially in the area of building automation. This can be carried out by a series of interactive town hall-style gatherings and email campaigns based on registrations, as well as making use of an online education platform that keeps citizens notified and up-to-date with happenings. 

#SchneiderElectric like all other top players in the realm of electrical management has comprehensively explored the domain of smart buildings/homes and smart products. While the concept of smart cities is nascent, users can enjoy the benefits the smart devices and the technology have to offer.