Libelium Smart Cities IoT Solution REPORT

September 25, 2023

Challenges, key benefits and the most demanded features by the Smart Cities

By 2050, outdoor air pollution is projected to become the top cause of environmentally related deaths worldwide.

Over 500,000 people die prematurely yearly due to poor air quality in Europe. The biggest problem comes from Particulate Matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone (O₃). The Common Air Quality Index (CAQI) has been used in Europe since 2006. The European Environment Agency started encouraging its use on websites and for other ways of informing the public about air quality.

The Smart Cities market is rapidly developing. Smart Cities look for sustainable growth, diminishing the impact of economic and demographic changes and taking advantage of IT and communication technologies.

As a pioneer in the Internet of Things sector, Libelium unites all benefits and most demanded features from Smart Cities in a NEW Quick Report. A document showing how the Internet of Things can collaborate on key dimensions such as environment protection, urban planning, social cohesion or risk prevention.

What is a Smart City?

Today, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas.

Smart Cities improve citizens’ quality of life above money-saving or return on investment. Smart City visions that are holistic, pluralistic and citizen-centric, focusing on improving services and solving pressing urban issues, will be the most effective and cost-efficient in the long term.

Challenges of a Smart City

Cities are dealing with different challenges, from traffic congestion to environmental problems, maintaining the city’s structures in good shape, making sure everyone gets the services they need, and keeping everyone safe.

However, these cities also face a number of challenges that must be overcome in order for them to reach their full potential.

➊ Technological Challenges

The final challenge facing smart cities is technological. Smart cities require a significant investment in technological infrastructure. It is important for smart cities to have a long-term technology development strategy to ensure that they can remain competitive. For example, smart cities need high-speed communication systems to connect sensors and devices. They also need data storage systems to manage the large amount of generated data.

IoT can help to improve the efficiency and reliability of city infrastructure. For example, IoT can be used to monitor the condition of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. This data can be used to identify and fix problems before they cause major disruptions. IoT can also help to improve the security of city infrastructure. For example, IoT sensors can be used to monitor for unauthorized access or activity.

➋ Social Challenges

Another challenge facing smart cities is social. Smart cities can help improve their inhabitants’ quality of life and generate new inequalities. It is important for smart cities to consider all their inhabitants’ needs and take steps to reduce inequalities. For example, smart cities can use technology to improve healthcare and education. However, these technologies can be too expensive for some people.

IoT can be used to improve the quality of life for all citizens, regardless of their income or social status. For example, IoT can be used to provide access to healthcare, education, and transportation to people in underserved communities. IoT can also be used to promote social inclusion and participation. For example, IoT can be used to create virtual communities for people with disabilities or other challenges.

➌ Environmental Challenges

One of the main challenges facing smart cities is environmental. Cities are responsible for a large portion of pollution and climate change. Smart cities can help reduce these impacts through renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

IoT can be used to monitor environmental conditions, such as air quality, water quality, and energy consumption. This data can be used to identify and address environmental problems, such as pollution and climate change. For example, IoT sensors can be used to monitor air quality in real-time, and this data can be used to improve traffic management and reduce emissions.

How can we solve all the challenges that Smart Cities face thanks to IoT Technology?

IoT is a powerful technology that can potentially address the challenges of smart cities. By using IoT to collect and analyze data, cities can improve the quality of life for all citizens, protect the environment, and make their infrastructure more efficient and reliable.

Libelium Smart City technology on real worldwide projects

Environmental monitoring in construction in New Zealand: Modular, cost-effective, and scalable IoT solution. The sensors, tested in the construction industry, monitor environmental parameters such as noise, vibration, and dust.
Smart lampposts in Cartagena to measure Air Quality and Noise: Lampposts combining Libelium’s Smart Cities solutions for measuring air quality and noise level with Signify’s lampposts that turn light sources into data points to connect more devices, places, and people.
A Smart Parking solution for the best beach city in the USA: 750 Libelium Smart Parking nodes that send slot availability data in real-time to a web platform and a mobile app.