- Improving the flow of traffic
According to McKinsey, one way of improving the quality of life in cities is making daily commute better. This can only be attained by deploying smart-mobility applications, which are projected to cut commute time by between 15 and 20 percent on average by 2025. Cities with extensive and busy transit systems are likely to benefit more from the use of technology to streamline transportation and traffic through digital signage or mobile applications that deliver real-time updates on the state of traffic. The installation of IoT sensors on the existing physical infrastructure is also helpful in fixing traffic issues before they cause delays and breakdowns. Furthermore, IoT applications/devices and AI transform how key transport hubs like airports, bus stations and light rail subways are managed.
- Meet public safety initiatives
The use of AI-based applications in cities could potentially minimize fatalities due to fires, road accidents and homicides by about 10 percent. Accordingly, incidences such as assault, burglary, theft of automobiles and robbery can be reduced by over 30 percent. Additionally, agencies can use these applications to investigate crimes. Real-time crime mapping that uses statistical analysis to highlight crime patterns is crucial for cities to avert criminal activities. With AI, predictive policing can help security personnel anticipate crime and when certain incidences can occur. This can substantially reduce crime in cities and improve the quality of life of city dwellers.
- Boosting air quality
Technology is helping cities fight problems like climate change which has resulted in the gradual rise in global warming, ocean debris, greenhouse effect and street debris. Through AI-enabled applications, rental apartment owners and homes can manage energy in buildings through air-quality sensors and smart energy systems. Energy-efficient buildings, IoT air quality sensors and smart energy management systems allow cities to minimize the negative effects that pollution is causing to our environment. With these technologies, cities can determine and track low-quality air, causes of pollution and deliver the right data for action to be taken.
- Boosting energy efficiency in cities
Energy efficiency in cities is a leading challenge for authorities. Thanks to advances in technology such as AI, lighting, parking and traffic, which are the key causes of inefficient energy use, can be sorted to boost sustainable development. Through technologies such as energy-saving LED lights, integrated street illuminators and photosensors, and other sensor solutions dramatically reduce power costs in cities.
- Enable smart city governance
The main motive of smart cities is to make the lives of city dwellers comfortable and convenient. However, this cannot be attained without proper infrastructure and governance. Smart technologies can significantly benefit city governance by improving decision-making through collaboration between local governments and citizens. The availability of data also offers the right evidence and insight needed to make critical management decisions. This is a good thing for both the city dwellers and the authorities.
