Connectivity has expanded from just mobile devices and computers. Now, it includes smart watches, alarm clocks, televisions, lights, heating systems and even our vehicles. We rely on technology for nearly everything and make our time far more efficient. This is also known as the period of IoT which stands for Internet of Things.
IoT has also helped develop our infrastructure in modern cities, helping transport systems become far more efficient. However, there is a lot more that technology has helped many citizens with. Let’s take a look at smart infrastructure and how it has helped the modern city.
What Is Smart Infrastructure?
A smart infrastructure consists of a cyber-physical system that can help manage all elements. It uses different types of technology, including the internet, that help to monitor data and become more efficient but also more sustainable. With the world aiming to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050, using smart infrastructure is very important. Additionally, it helps to improve the safety of our cities and increase productivity.
The exact definition of smart infrastructure comes from the Royal Academy of Engineering of the United Kingdom. The definition is: “A smart infrastructure is a smart system that uses a data feedback loop to improve decision-making regarding a matter. A system that can monitor, measure, analyse, communicate and act based on data collected by sensors”
Smart structure is based on four things which are data, analytics, feedback and adaptability. Below is a breakdown of their role in smart infrastructure.
- Data – Information is required for a smart system to work. It is the basic material that is required to operate efficiently and effectively.
- Analytics – Analysis of data to help with decision-making.
- Feedback – A feedback loop is required with most smart systems and this helps to improve the way how the system operates.
- Adaptability – Not only can they deal with the present effectively but can also adapt to the different needs in the future.
Smart infrastructure is used throughout many cities around the world and it is only improving.
The Advantages of Using Smart Infrastructure
There are numerous benefits with smart infrastructure which is why it is used with modern buildings. Let’s take a look at some of those advantages in more detail.
Self-Control
Firstly, smart infrastructure has the ability to control itself. Additionally, it is able to make decisions alone without the assistance of a human. A good example of this would be when we use satnavs or other digital navigation methods. These devices will provide us with an alternative route if traffic is bad to help us get to our destination much quicker.
Cost-Effective
One of the main advantages of using smart infrastructure is to be cost-efficient and help improve savings. Smart systems allow a company to be far more efficient with fewer people. A good example would be an ANPR system on a Knightsbridge parking lot. This system will recognise a registration plate when the vehicle pulls towards the shutter doors. It will then automatically open and close once the vehicle is inside the car park.
Reliable
Another great positive of smart infrastructure is that it is very reliable. Technology is very smart and so are the people behind it. Smart technology can be developed for one job which means it will reduce system downtimes. The sole purpose of the tech is to do one job and repeat this process over and over again.
Health and Safety
Smart technology can also help to improve the health and safety of us inside the infrastructure. It keeps users safe and helps to reduce human errors and the effects of natural disasters. A good example of this would be creating a seating plan for an aeroplane to help with weight distribution on either side of the plane.
User Interaction
The next positive of smart infrastructure is that it helps enhance user interaction. It will offer services that can adapt to the user. A great example of this would be to suggest locations based on where the user is. A user could search for “hairdressers near me” or “restaurants near me” and it will show all of the available places nearby.
Sustainable
The final advantage of using smart infrastructure is that it helps modern buildings become more sustainable. The aim of a modern city is to ensure it becomes more eco-friendly and smart infrastructure helps with that. For example, it helps with waste, water and energy management.
To Conclude
There are many advantages to using smart infrastructure however, there are some issues with it. Complexed systems have more room for malfunctioning meaning we still require the technical engineers to help fix these problems. Nevertheless, the advantages that smart infrastructure offers outweigh the disadvantages of it. That is why more cities are finding innovative solutions to implement smart infrastructure. Yes, it can be expensive system but it can help with safety, efficiency, sustainability and decision-making