In the modern era, technology is a foundation for almost everything that we do. The evolution of smart cities has redefined urban living and continues to enhance public services, local safety and city operations. Connecting the city, the residents and its operations through 5G, smart cities are creating the new normal for daily living. Smart cities in the UK have redefined the urban landscape and are the dawn of a new generation of city living. So what is a smart city?
What Exactly is a Smart City?
A smart city is a modern environment that uses advanced technology to operate. What makes a city smart is that it uses this technology to improve traditional services and operations. Within the infrastructure of a smart city, IoT systems are implemented to assist with the operation of the city. IoT (Internet of Things) systems are developed through a series of interconnected devices that use 5G to communicate with each other and relay information to the cloud in real time. These networks utilise technology to make services more efficient by using real-time information to make effective decisions. By collecting and transmitting data, smart cities can streamline services, communicate with the public and optimise city operations.
Features of a Smart City
With smart cities constantly in development, there are always new systems being implemented to enhance the operation of the city. However, in recent years, there are certain systems that have become standard features of a smart city.
Traffic Management
One of the major benefits of a smart city is effective traffic management. Using systems to monitor real-time situations, smart traffic management systems can analyse data and make informed decisions. These systems can then communicate with drivers through navigational apps to advise of alternative routes which ultimately reduces congestion. With reduced congestion, cities also lower their emissions which is a great advantage to urban areas where air pollution is typically high. More advanced traffic management systems can also detect incidents as they happen, not only alerting drivers to find an alternative route but to alerting emergency and public services to attend.
Live Public Transportation Updates
Public transportation within smart cities is optimised to provide commuters with a better service. Travellers can receive real-time updates through information at bus stops and train platforms or directly to their own devices through route planning apps. With accurate information about when public transportation is due and immediate notification of delays, travellers can make informed decisions about their journeys without wasting time. Route planning apps can also provide alternative route guidance in the event of the delay or cancellation of public transportation.
Autonomous Vehicles
One thing that smart cities across the world are beginning to implement is the use of autonomous vehicles, particularly in ride-sharing systems. Autonomous vehicles are set to be big, with ride-sharing companies such as Wayve and Waymo having huge success in the US. While not currently available in the UK, trials are currently in progress in London, and the UK government passed the Autonomous Vehicles Act in May 2024. In fact, Wayve is a UK-based company, and its AI technology is learned on the streets of London. Autonomous vehicles can navigate journeys without a human driver by absorbing data in real time and making quick decisions. These vehicles use software to make driving decisions as a human would with enhanced efficiency thanks to real-time data the vehicle both collects and receives.
Bicycle Hire
An alternative way that smart cities use technology to support public transportation is bicycle hire. A huge percentage of major cities across the UK, and across the globe, now offer public bicycle hire. The first bicycle hire scheme in the UK was introduced in London in 2010. Known as ‘Boris Bikes’, Santander Cycles (formerly Barclays Cycle Hire) was a huge success and paved the way for similar e-bike schemes across the UK. With docks dotted around the city, users can use an app to pay for and unlock a public bicycle, using it to explore the city and return it to another dock when they are finished. Bicycle hire schemes help with health, road congestion and pollution, contributing to the sustainability efforts of a smart city and enhancing local lives.
Waste Collection
Many big cities have effective waste management services. With sensors implemented in bins, waste collection services are alerted when fill levels are high. This conserves resources and reduces the emissions from collections that could be unnecessary. It also helps to create cleaner environments by alerting waste collection when needed and preventing overfill.
Renewable Energy
Sustainability is a core foundation of smart cities, and many utilise renewable energy. Smart cities use solar panels, wind turbines and other energy-efficient methods to conserve and generate energy supplies. The renewable energy use of smart cities helps with carbon-neutral goals and supports the UK’s plans to reach net zero by 2050.
Public Wifi
Connection is a building block of smart cities, and free public wifi is often a feature of many smart cities. With the city using wifi to function, it also passes the benefits on to the people who live and work there, allowing them to stay connected. The main reason for this is the ability to communicate directly with the public through the likes of route planning apps and navigational systems. However, it benefits the public in a major way.
Surveillance
Smart cities use 5G and IoT systems to their advantage for surveillance. With interconnected cameras that can monitor situations in real time, public safety is enhanced with the ability to communicate with emergency services and improve response times. Surveillance also acts as a criminal deterrent with public areas monitored and the ability to store unlimited data in the cloud.