Technology doesn’t serve any purpose or function if it cannot increase the quality of life for the average person. After all, this should be the ultimate goal used for guiding society’s movement into the future. With our current wealth of technological resources and understanding, it should be a fairly easy transition to improving the lives of everyone in society. Fortunately, there are many cities already leveraging IOT to improve living standards. Here are just a few ways in which IOT is revolutionizing urban living.
Reducing Congestion on the Highways
No major city is free from the plague of traffic congestion. With millions of people hitting the roads at the same intervals, it is nearly impossible to have any organization. However, many cities are leveraging IOT to help reduce congestion on the roads and highways. Some of the primary initiatives include directed parking, safer roads, smarter traffic systems, frictionless toll and more. According to Juniper Research, these technological additions can help drivers get back 60 hours each year that would have been wasted stuck in traffic or waiting for a parking spot.
Improving Air Quality
Every large city suffers from poor air quality. This is a direct result of the traffic issues that were discussed earlier. IOT’s solution for traffic congestion helps to solve the problem of air quality as well. As cars spend less time stuck in traffic or waiting for an open parking spot, they are also emitting fewer toxins and other harmful chemicals into the air of the city. For example, there is a system implemented in Barcelona that successfully tracks open parking spaces. This helps to reduce the time cars are stuck looking for an open spot. There is also an IOT system in Las Vegas that controls traffic lights to help direct traffic away from areas that have a high level of pollution.
Improving Traffic Flow
Some of these technologies are still in development. In downtown Las Vegas, there is an area called the “Innovation District”. The goal is to improve traffic flow by installing sensors at different intersections. This information will be combined with machine learning. The sensors will be able to track and record the patterns of traffic throughout the day and the week. These systems will then be able to provide accurate information on how to improve traffic flows in certain areas.
Improving Government Processes
IOT hasn’t only been focused on improving traffic or car emissions. In San Antonio, this technology is being used to help improve access to government services. The expansive city is spread out over 460 square miles. This makes it very difficult for many residents to appear in courts when necessary. To help solve this spatial issue, the city has installed court kiosks that give citizens wireless access to the courtrooms. Police officers use these kiosks as well to obtain warrants in a faster manner.
Increasing Safety
Public safety is one of the more important areas of IOT development. Technology has allowed cities to decrease criminal activity, anticipate potential issues and keep families safer at home. Many police precincts have started to use improved databases that help to share and track official reports made throughout a city. This information can be used to help track patterns of certain kinds of crime and violence. The doorbell camera is also a major factor in improving the safety for homeowners. These devices allow people to see visitors even when they are not home.
This incorporation of machine learning and technology is just the beginning. Major cities across the world are starting to utilize IOT to rapidly improve the daily functioning of these heavily-populated areas. Chicago is hoping other cities will follow their example and implement these technologies. In fact, the Windy City has released an open source code that they hope other municipalities will utilize. As more information is gathered from cities across the United States, this technology will only become more advanced.
