Smart cities relate to destinations that have chosen to adopt technology, to improve a city’s efficiency for its residents and provide economic security.
For example, it will utilize the internet of things (IoT) sensors to accumulate data, which they can analyze to effectively manage their resources.
The Big Apple is, however, one US city that is leading the way in technology. Find out how New York is becoming a leading smart city.
Waste Management
The NYC sanitation department collects approximately 10,500 tons of garbage daily, which makes it the largest sanitation department on the planet. As a result, it can be a challenging feat to collect trash from thousands of garbage and recycling cans.
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Therefore, smart trash cans have been introduced across the city to ensure neither too much or too little trash is collected each day, and wasted labor or garbage overflows can be avoided. It contains a wireless sensor to effectively monitor the level of trash in a can, which can help the city to efficiently schedule garbage disposal trips.
Plus, the innovative trash cans also feature a solar-powered compactor, which can accommodate five times more garbage in comparison to conventional trash cans.
Midtown in Motion
New York is dedicated to improving efficiency each day. For example, it is currently a no-fault state. It was introduced to speed up the insurance payment process, as a driver’s insurer will be responsible for covering their medical costs, regardless of fault, which is why many people turn to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff LLP following a personal injury.
Thankfully, NYC has taken steps to reduce the potential of a traffic collision. For example, the Midtown in Motion project was designed to combat road traffic congestion and accidents, as it has introduced cameras, traffic sensors, and EZ pass readers. It can, therefore, reduce a person’s travel time by approximately 10%, which can decrease the likelihood of a traffic jam or a collision.
Smart Lighting
New York has also introduced smart lighting in a bid to conserve energy and money. For example, in 2013, the Big Apple launched the Accelerated Conservation and Efficiency (ACE) program to introduce LED building lighting. It can ultimately reduce its power through dimming while decreasing the lighting’s operational hours through both occupancy sensing and scheduling.
A Free Wi-Fi Network
The Mayor of New York City made the bold decision in 2014 to introduce a free, high-speed Wi-Fi program, which has been designed to connect to both residents and visitors across the city. Consequently, more than 7,5000 communication junctions that feature a free Wi-Fi network have been introduced, which has led to the program being coined LinkNYC.
It is likely many other cities across the US will soon follow in NYC’s footsteps, as the city is utilizing the best of technology to conserve energy, reduce traffic congestion, and improve sanitation. Plus, there are many more innovative smart city programs in the works, which could improve the city’s financial security while providing a safer environment for residents and tourists.
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