The concept of smart cities has roots going back as far as the 1960s and 1970s when the idea of using technology to improve the lives of citizens first emerged. However, it wasn't until the 1990s and early 2000s that the concept began to take its modern form, driven by the rapid advancement of the Internet, broadband connectivity and new technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), cloud computing and big data analytics.
The term "smart city" itself gained popularity in the 2010s, as cities around the world started implementing technology-driven solutions to improve public services, enhance sustainability and make urban areas more livable and efficient.
The idea of a “smart city” is one that is met with – charitably – mixed emotions from the general public. On the one hand, everyone wants their life to be more convenient, and the technologies offered by the most advanced cities around the world undoubtedly make everyday activities more convenient and seamless in day-to-day life. On the other hand, people often have a negative interaction with this kind of technology as they see it as unnecessarily invasive, no matter what it’s actually doing. Granted, that’s not to say they’re not always wrong, as checks for these tools are always necessary to ensure that cities are, in fact, acting within the law.
Weiterlesen: Six Ways Technology is Playing a Major Role in Modern Urban Planning
Introduction
As urbanization accelerates globally, smart city technologies play a crucial role. Advanced electronic components such as sensors, connectors, and microcontrollers allow smart cities to effectively address challenges in traffic, energy, and security. By optimizing urban operations, these technologies enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability, significantly improving residents’ quality of life.
Weiterlesen: The pivotal role of electronic components in driving smart city innovations
What will the cities of the future look like? Many architects have created visions of sustainable Utopias around the world - but what about the cities that could really be built? Around the world, projects are raising money (and beginning to build) some startlingly ambitious cities - from a Utopian city in an American desert to an AI-powered desert metropolis with its own ski resort in Saudi Arabia.
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Smart cities worldwide have made significant progress in their initiatives, embracing innovative technologies to enhance sustainability, and reduce carbon emissions. With the United Nations projecting that 70% of the global population will be in urban areas by 2050, the need for smarter urban infrastructure is clear. Implementing smart technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), has not only improved citizens' quality of life, but also improved public safety.
Here's a look at six leading smart cities around the globe: