Tarun Thomas George
Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer
Cavli Wireless
In today's world, where every object or device of any industry is getting connected across networks, combining city infrastructure and operations with smart tech solutions is becoming a default demand for the present digital era. With an aim to accelerate the '4th Industrial Revolution' into action, several companies have adopted the Internet of Things (IoT) as an integral part of the tech stack.
The concept of a Smart City involves combining a city’s physical infrastructure and services such as buildings, surveillance systems, parking areas, street lights, waste bins, etc. with network technologies and IoT-enabled sensors to achieve simplicity and ease in day-to-day management. IoT-enabled solutions can help monitor and manage infrastructure operations such as road & transportation systems, Utility & resource management, public safety systems, civil bodies, etc. Thus, the transformation of urban cities into Smart cities is expected to change our everyday lives.
Connected objects and devices such as Smart Streetlights, Smart Bins, Smart Surveillance Solutions, etc. within a smart city's framework are designed intelligently to send device-specific data to the cloud where it is managed and analyzed to help municipalities and businesses make better decisions and improve citizens’ lives. That being said, when it comes to constructing a fully-fledged smart city, there are a few but mandatory checklists that must be ticked.
The availability of seamless, uninterrupted connectivity is an essential requirement for smart city applications such as Vehicle Parking, Smart Streetlight solutions. EV charging stations, etc. Evolving technologies such as Low Power Wide Area Networks and the widely adopted 5G is expected to propel smart cities into action accelerating new deployments. For example, secure wireless services can transform conventional streetlights into Smart Street Lights that are capable of connecting to a central control system. Such Smart solutions can perform tasks beyond just monitoring and adjusting street lighting, but also help pedestrians detect vacant parking spots.
Data sharing is key for sustainable smart cities so that decisions can be made in realtime. Multi-stakeholder cooperation between different systems will be required. Traffic data from public CCTV cameras will provide data points necessary for toll booth systems to decide on incoming traffic volume and thereby dynamic toll rates (yes there are countries where toll rates are based on traffic volume).
A smart city ecosystem comprises Enterprises, Citizens, Device Manufacturers, Utility providers, etc, and an intensive network via which such entities communicate and exchange data. Strong ID management and authentication solutions are expected to achieve security objectives within a smart city ecosystem. This is essential to ensure data sharing only amongst authorized parties. The IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act initiated in the US specifically addresses security breaches and threats for connected devices.
Cavli's C42GM Smart cellular module is the latest addition to the C-Series family with chip technology acquired from GCT Semiconductors, Inc. The module is built to be compatible across LTE Cat M1/NB1/NB2 and Sigfox networks, making every IoT product/solution maker's dream come true.
The C42GM Smart IoT module comes with features such as an integrated CAN controller and Bluetooth 4.2 technology. A wide variety of LPWAN applications/use cases like trackers, wearables, smart utility meters, and other sensor-based solutions for smart city projects can be seamlessly powered with the eSIM integrated C42GM smart IoT module with global connectivity.
The integrated CAN Bus controller feature of the C42GM module makes it compatible with the industry-standard CAN Bus protocol interface which can strengthen designs in factory automation and IoT by improving cable management and a simple two-wire interface.
The Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility of the C42GM Smart Cellular module offers a short-range connectivity option for nearby devices and sensors with increased privacy, speed, and improved internet connectivity compared to previous generations of Bluetooth technology and the IP connectivity offered in Bluetooth 4.2 allows direct internet connection for smart sensors and devices.
The C42GM Smart Module features Sigfox functionality for connectivity to Sigfox networks across the world as a secondary communication network.
Energy-efficient smart infrastructure becomes environmentally friendly with the use of intelligent technology
To address serious environmental issues associated with inefficient waste management thereby improving waste collection and reduced operational costs
Includes several operations and energy measures such as smart meters, renewable energy resources, smart appliances, etc.
Intelligent EV charging stations offer charge scheduling, multiplexing (connecting multiple vehicles to each circuit), and flexibility for users of Electric Vehicles.
The pandemic that set the rising need for automated operations and connected devices has established grounds for a more digitized environment, accelerating the widespread adoption of Smart Cities.
Such efforts are expected to allow government authorities to easily manage city operations and analyze city-specific data. Modern technology that supports smart city emergence would have an impact on the economy, community, and healthcare segments where digital transformation is in dire need.
Dubai Data, founded by the Dubai Data Law in 2015 is an ambitious smart city initiative that solves real-world problems by securely and safely sharing data to create social and economic benefits for the citizens of the community.
The much-awaited Woven City to appear in Japan by 2021 focuses on autonomy, sustainable energy, mobility, and robotics. The city would include autonomous cars and other mobility solutions. Sensor-based AI would restock fridge supplies, check vital signs of the house owner, and even pick out the trash. The city would contain an all-in-one digital operating system that would oversee the city's everyday functioning.
ReGen Villages describes itself as a holistic model that builds resilient and self-reliant eco-villages. The project combines a wide spectrum of innovative technologies that supports the management of renewable energy, water resources, door-step organic food production, vertical farming, etc. ReGen holds good potential in addressing some of the global challenges resulting from population spikes such as resource scarcity, rising urbanization, minimizing CO2 emissions, etc.