100 smart cities, millions of opportunities

Smart cities use hundreds, thousands or millions of devices and sensors installed in various locations as part of a coherent and cohesively managed network.

The information these devices and sensors collect can be used by the city to make intelligent decisions that can improve traffic flow, deploy services or resources, and optimise operations for the social and commercial benefit of everyone.

As a result of these features, market research analyst IHS Markit sees global smart city device shipments increasing from 202 million devices in 2017 to 1.4 billion in 2026 — that’s a CAGR of 24%.

How technology supports smart city evolution

Converting a city to a smart city requires an IoT network comprising MCUs, sensors, communication ICs and power ICs, with extensive software. Integrated technology platforms that are easily accessible across various devices provide access, transparency, speed and participation in public services. Conceptually, the smart city provides access to a range of networks offering applications that will provide exceptional efficiency for services.

India’s journey towards a smarter city

India has plans to lead the global smart cities growth. The country is on the cusp of witnessing an urban resurgence that aims to develop, build and sustain more than 100 smart cities on the subcontinent using a range of smart solutions. In fact, urbanisation and technology advancement are already gaining momentum and the country has now launched a Smart Cities Mission, to develop India’s cities with an information technology backbone to support sustainable and vibrant smart cities focused on optimising delivery of water and electricity and removal of sewage for improvements in quality of life. The government is funding the initiative with a budget of $7.5 billion.

Although it will take a while to see India’s ambitious 100 smart cities project come to fruition, some notable progress has already been made. Under the smart city program, Ahmedabad and New Delhi have already taken up sewage treatment plant projects. New Delhi has also launched projects for LED streetlights, city surveillance and a command centre. Bhopal has adopted smart traffic management solutions to manage its crippling traffic and allow citizens to make informed travel choices. In Kaiserbagh (Lucknow) the city is tackling smart parking solutions, installation of signboards and CCTV cameras under a solid waste management plan.

Our solutions

STMicroelectronics has extensive smart city expertise. In cities around the world, ST’s broad portfolio is already enabling smart cities to improve residents’ quality of life by letting them do more things more efficiently while consuming less energy. ST has many key ingredients for smart cities, including technologies and products, a keen understanding of the sensor-to-cloud value chain, a broad ecosystem of development resources, expertise in digital security technologies and state-of-the-art semiconductor technologies, and high-volume production capabilities.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/jamesteohart

Originally published here.