The record for the world’s worst traffic jam belongs to Beijing’s gridlock. For 12 days in August 2010, cars could not escape 62 miles of freeway. This example, alongside the U.N.’s prediction that by 2030 two-thirds of the world’s population will reside in densely packed megacities, reinforces a real urgency to alleviate the pressures and impact of overcrowding. The concept of “smart cities,” which employs Internet of Things (IoT) technologies such as connected sensors, meters and lights to collect and analyze data to improve public infrastructure and services, holds the promise to dramatically change the way citizens live, work and get around. But is there a way to tangibly measure these benefits?
Yes, there is. An Intel-sponsored study by Juniper Research estimates that smart cities have the potential to “give back” a remarkable 125 hours to every resident every year. Additionally, the study ranks the top 20 smart cities worldwide across four key areas: mobility, health care, public safety and productivity, and reveals how these cities deliver positive outcomes for increased time savings and productivity, increases in health and overall quality of life, and a safer environment.
