As technology evolves, so do our lives. Technology guides how we think, work and are entertained. Today we are in the midst of a rapid technological expansion as we become more and more connected with everyone and everything around us. We talk to our devices, they talk to us and the devices talk to each other. This connected world we live in is all part of “Internet of Things” or “IoT”, and it may very well lead to a smarter way of living.

You may have heard of “Smart Cities” and maybe even imagined a futuristic landscape with flying cars and buildings that talk to each other, similar to the Hollywood interpretations we categorize as science fiction. Smart Cities however, are anything but fiction. We may not be rolling flying cars off the production line anytime soon but we are making strides in connective technology. Both the government and the private sector are working to improve the way we live and create a sustainable future. This year President Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) released a report on “Technology and Cities of the Future” with the notion that cities throughout the US need to reshape the way they operate through the expansion of smart technologies. The Obama administration has also developed a "Smart Cities Initiative” to aid local communities with challenges such as fostering economic growth, climate change and reducing traffic congestion.

Smart Transportation

Reducing traffic congestion is one way in which we can all benefit from the Smart City concept.  Smart traffic systems can relay real-time data to guide traffic along less congested routes, reducing the amount of traffic jams. By monitoring vehicle and pedestrian activity, the system could optimize driving and walking routes in advance. Smart sensors could alert drivers of open parking spaces. Street lights could turn on only if someone is approaching. Not only could these concepts save on the frustration of our daily commute and make travel safer, they would also conserve a lot of energy.

Smart Energy

Some of the most important advancements in the smart city concept is that of smart grids. We are currently running on an energy grid that was built in the 1890s and improved upon to get to where we are today. The current grid consists of more than 9,200 electric generating units, more than 1 million megawatts of generating capacity and is connected to more than 300,000 miles of transmission lines. Although this may sound impressive, we have stretched this outdated system about as far as we can.

This is where the Smart Grid comes into play. A “Smart Grid” is an electricity supply network that uses digital technology to detect and react to local changes in usage, resulting in a more reliable and efficient use of our energy. Using technology that more readily connects us with energy data can result in the lowering of our carbon footprint, lower energy rates and quicker restoration during power outages.

In our digital world, we have become more reliant on electricity than ever before. Our banking, communications, traffic, and security are all tied to the energy grid. Most recently Delta Airlines’ global system shut down due to a power outage, effectively halting travel for their airline around the world. When a power outage occurs, Smart Grid technologies will have the capability to detect and isolate the outages before becoming large-scale blackouts. These new technologies can help ensure that electricity is distributed strategically, keeping health centers, police departments and traffic lights operable until full power is restored.

Read more about IoT in our article on Internet of Things: Health