Smart infrastructure is widely acknowledged as one of the main components of smart cities. It extends not only to smart roads, automated parking, and IoT but also to all the various signals and signs along the roadside that provide information to drivers and AVs. AI-based driving systems utilize a broad range of advanced sensors to understand their environment and make data-driven decisions. For example, sensors factor in road signs and other visual information to make an optimal driving decision. Startups develop many solutions for smart infrastructure and smart roads to enable vehicles to communicate with their environment and reduce the burden on drivers.

• StreetSense provides IoT for Transportation Management
• Anadue builds a Telematics Platform for Connected Cars [1]

Figure 1. Smart Infrastructure

Smart Infrastructure is shown in figure 1. A smart infrastructure could be defined as a cyber-physical system that provides for an integral management of all elements that it comprises by means of different technological tools that help compile and analyze data to meet efficiency, sustainability, productivity and safety objectives.

“A smart infrastructure is a smart system that uses a data feedback loop to improve decision-making regarding a matter. A system that can monitor, measure, analyze, communicate and act based on data collected by sensors.”

types of smart infrastructures:

• Semi-intelligent infrastructure
• Intelligent infrastructure
• Smart networks
• Smart public infrastructures
• Smart beaches [2]

Benefits of smart infrastructure:

The benefits of smart infrastructure are numerous and can have a significant impact on a wide range of industries and sectors. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Increased efficiency: Smart infrastructure can help optimize the use of resources, reduce waste, and increase efficiency in various areas, such as energy consumption, water management, and transportation.
• Improved safety and security: Smart infrastructure can help detect and respond to potential safety and security risks in real-time, such as traffic accidents, natural disasters, and cyber threats
• Enhanced sustainability: Smart infrastructure can help reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices by monitoring and managing resource consumption, promoting renewable energy sources, and encouraging environmentally friendly behaviors
• Improved connectivity: Smart infrastructure can enhance connectivity and communication between people, systems, and devices, enabling better coordination and collaboration across different sectors and industries.
• Increased data collection and analysis: Smart infrastructure can generate large amounts of data, which can be analyzed to gain insights into trends, patterns, and potential issues. This data can be used to inform decision-making and improve overall performance.

Overall, smart infrastructure has the potential to revolutionize the way we design, build, and manage our cities and infrastructure, leading to a more sustainable, efficient, and connected world.

References:

1. https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/top-10-mobility-industry-trends-innovations-in-2021/#micromobility
2. https://nexusintegra.io/smart-infrastructures-essential-for-smart-cities/

Cite this article:

Gokula Nandhini K (2023), Smart Infrastructure, AnaTechMaz, pp. 113