This audio was created using Microsoft Azure Speech Services
It has been widely recognized that our cities will thrive with not only physical infrastructure development but also with intellectual and social infrastructure which requires the use of latest Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and fast and reliable communications medium. A symbiotic relationship must exist between people and technology so that efficiency is maximized in whatever we do, may it be going from point A to Point B or applying for a driver’s license. This is the basic concept of a smart city that allows people to thrive with a sustainable environment and efficient execution of day-to-day demands of a modern society. Schneider Electric is at the forefront of this Smart City revolution as it already has the knowhow and assembled various pieces of the Smart City puzzle such as smart grid, smart buildings, smart governance with the latest being the SmartMobility transportation solutions.
In the next 40 years, Smart City concept will proliferate and ITS infrastructure should be developed to accommodate this great concept. So, question is what should be done now and what are the key technologies that the Federal and State DOT’s should consider for eventual up gradation to the smart city concept? Should the current technologies used for integrating the field devices to the TMCs be upgraded and follow a certain open topology that could be leveraged and expanded? Should there be provision for dark fibers to accommodate future deployments? I think the answer is resoundingly “yes” as the existing ITS infrastructure will be leveraged by the Cities for developing the smart transportation solutions needed for the Smart City to operate. But a lot more needs to be done. First, the good news is that most infrastructure developed by the state DOTs, Cities and Counties use fiber optic with an unlimited bandwidth for integration of various technologies deployed along freeways, arterials and other roadways, however, this bandwidth is limited by the use lower speed switching and less than optimal end equipment. So, what are the technologies that should be considered now for easier migration later? The list below could be a great start:
- Deploy open and expandable architecture consistent with National ITS architecture and standards
- Use of secured and reliable wireless technology for better motorist information and weather related advisories
- Fast switching through the use of 10 gigabit network instead of one (1) gigabit network currently common place
- Leverage the use of Fiber to home (FTH) deployment that is happening and this infrastructure will change the way ITS information can be disseminated in real time and fits extremely well with the smart city concept
- Use of better predictive algorithm and technologies with state of the art software platforms for better assimilation of data
- Better use of Center to Center (C2C) technology sharing, data fusion, and personalized dissemination via a variety of means most important being the smart phone and the in-car radio broadcast of emergencies.
So, clearly more needs to be done but we have a great foundation. With the mainstreaming of the Smart City concept, Schneider is well positioned to make use of and develop the above for a functioning Smart mobility platform needed for a Smart City. Cases in point: Schneider is developing innovative solutions for major infrastructure projects in Florida with the design of the SunGuide Phase 3 expansion in Jacksonville, Miami-Dade Expressway (MDX) Open Road Tolling, Crosstown Connector in Tampa and steering the design of the Port of Miami Tunnel (POMT). We are ready for tomorrow today!
Conversation
Abass Adamu
12 years ago
I think this is a great piece and will help developing countries in the “Smart City Growth” Initiative, i.e. Accra, Ghana.
Michelle Clark
12 years ago
Thank you Mr. Adamu for your comment. Please let me know if you would like more information or if you would like to speak with an expert to see how our solutions can be utilized in Ghana.
Dr Muna Hamdi
12 years ago
I am working on The Future Vision in the Arab Region aiming toward building the smart infrastructure model of the future. I will be happy to collaborate. I will be discussing it next month in ITS EU Congress in Dublin see
Also it should be published soon by IRF for the ITS MENA workshop last March
More information:
Michelle Clark
12 years ago
Dr. Muna Hamdi,
This sounds like a great opportunity. I have passed your information to one of our smart cities experts. They will be in touch shortly. Thank you.
ollivier
12 years ago
Interéssant
Michelle Clark
12 years ago
Ollivier… Thank you
John Lewis
12 years ago
Have a look at what is being done in Frankfurt by Taxmobil. A very high-tech solution offering people unlimited door-to-door transportation for a fixed fee of €48 per month and particularly suitable for fast-growing cities as well as those with a very good existing infrastructure (like Frankfurt). Feel free to contact me if you would like more information.
Michelle Clark
12 years ago
Mr Lewis,
Thank you for the information. I will review your web site and pass your information to one of our smart cities experts. Thank you.
MUNA hAMDI
12 years ago
Interesting comments from all
I am preparing for a case study for the ARTS Workshop in Dublin 4-5 June https://helios.hud.ac.uk/cost/
and presenting on the ITS Congress on the 6th, see next month news for details in
..hence will be available to discuss and collaborate for anyone who is in Dublin at the time.
I am on skype ID muna.hamdi
Michelle Clark
11 years ago
Thank you
Bertrand Moritz
12 years ago
As an independant consultant, I see such initiatives all over the world. Key question will be to know who will fund and operate mobility “big data”: the public transit agency? the transit operators? commercial companies such as Google? The business model is not yet defined, although such solutions are necessary to fight Global Warming.
Michelle Clark
11 years ago
Mr. Moritz,
Agreed. Thank you for your comments.
Nicolas DOUCET
11 years ago
Michelle, thank you for your article. With regards to one of the key technologies which you mentioned (“Use of better predictive algorithm and technologies with state of the art software platforms for better assimilation of data”), lots of progress have been made recently to collect and harmonize real-time traffic information data and use it with a transport model. The output for the city is to understand the state of traffic in real time and in a short-term predictive time horizon, which faciluitates decision-making. I would be pleased to provide more information if you wish.
Michelle Clark
11 years ago
Mr. Doucet,
Thank you for the comment. I have shared your information with the team and someone will be contacting you shortly for more information.
Joseph Olmstead Jr
11 years ago
There are many exciting developments in the global ITS world today. I spent many years marketing video camera solutions to DOT’s around North America and what we did in the 90’s will pale by comparison in the future. Pleased to see Schneider Electric is taking on a strong, active role in this marketplace. Joe Olmstead
Michelle Clark
11 years ago
Thank you for the comment Mr. Olmstead. Schneider Electric is very committed to the future of the ITS.