By Devasis Barkataki, Founder and CEO, Alphatec
As the world urbanizes at a rapid pace, with 70% of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050, the need for smart and sustainable urban solutions is more urgent than ever. This trend is particularly pronounced in India, where urban growth is set to increase significantly. An estimated 800 million people are expected to live in Indian cities by 2050. 1 This rapid expansion requires a new approach to urban development – one that puts technology at its core.
Smarter and sustainable cities supported by the use of AV/IT-led solutions are the way forward. By combining the power of AV technologies – which shape our visual and acoustic experiences – with the data processing and analytics capabilities of IT, urban planners can transform the urban landscape. This convergence shows the potential to solve urban challenges and support policymakers in building sustainable and smart cities. For example, by optimizing traffic flow by analyzing clear visual information, improving public safety through intelligible sound, maximizing resource efficiency, creating more livable urban environments and even
more.
Thanks to technological advancements, many more urban challenges can be solved from an AV/IT perspective. All these solutions are data-driven and well-communicated, making them smart enough to tackle urban challenges while keeping sustainability in mind.
Improving urban infrastructure through seamless connectivity
Decisions based on the evolved communication of real-time data have been replaced by mere understanding and experiences. At the core of this urban transformation is AV/IT convergence, which processes the complex patterns with clear video and understandable audio. This brings the true meaning of smart cities into reality, which drives decisions, automates processes, contributes to tailored user experiences and clearly disseminates the information to the public. It also improves resource allocation, resource management and waste management. Overall, the public user experience is getting better day by day.
In terms of infrastructure, smart home devices that respond to voice and visual inputs, AI-driven interfaces, virtual and augmented reality applications and IoT-enabled devices are becoming more commonplace. These technologies not only improve the individual quality of life through
for ease of use. AV/IT enables the entire urban infrastructure to communicate seamlessly and effortlessly.
Improving traffic management, public transport and safety
Efficient and safe traffic is the lifeblood of every thriving city. And this is where the fusion of AV and IT is ushering in a new era of urban mobility. Static traffic lights are being replaced by intelligent systems that adapt in real time and react to traffic jams before they even occur.
This is made possible by AV/IT systems that integrate data from traffic cameras, sensors and even GPS data from connected vehicles. The result is smoother traffic flow, fewer emissions and shorter commute times.
Real-time passenger information displays, intelligent ticketing systems and automated train control, as already implemented in many subway systems, make public transport a more attractive and viable option for
commuters. At the same time, smart displays at bus stops and train stations provide real-time arrival information, encourage the use of public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
In addition, this merger will also improve safety on our roads. Integrated surveillance systems supported by CCTV cameras, facial recognition software and AI-powered analytics will prevent crime, identify potential risks and enable faster
Even the often dreaded search for a parking space is made easier by this technological
Convergence. Intelligent parking solutions guide drivers directly to free parking spaces, saving time and fuel and reducing unnecessary emissions. Dynamic transport networks based on AV/IT focus on user-friendliness and safety while aiming for sustainability.
Resource efficiency for a sustainable future
In urban areas, resource distribution, conservation and waste management are major concerns. AV/IT solutions offer innovative approaches to these problems. In public infrastructure, IoT-enabled sensors can detect, monitor and provide visual feedback to policymakers. Monitoring air quality, noise pollution and energy management is effortless and supports resource management.
One example is how AV/IT can improve municipal waste management. The AV/IT systems detect waste containers, monitor fill levels, optimize collection routes, reduce fuel consumption and even the carbon footprint of the waste management.
Intelligent building management systems integrate AV and IT to optimize lighting, heating and cooling according to occupancy and time of day. This helps to significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, AV technology can be used in parks and public areas to
Educate visitors about local ecosystems and conservation efforts. The clarity in data collection through AV and the sophistication in processing with robust IT will help make the smart city a thriving reality.
India, which aims to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, recognises the transformative potential of this convergence. Initiatives such as Prime Minister Gatishakti’s National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy underscore this commitment.
The focus is on developing integrated infrastructure and efficient public services. 2 By harnessing the opportunities offered by AV/IT convergence, we can lay the foundation for future innovations in urban planning and management, ensuring that urban growth is accompanied by improved quality of life and environmental protection.
