FEATURE
Andrea Sorri , Segment Development Manager Smart Cities EMEA at Axis Communications
Running directly on the network edge within devices like cameras , AI can enable smarter data analysis and apply deep learning to images and video at the source . Increasingly , Smart Cities are also making use of the interconnectivity of individual devices to alert operators to key events or enable one device to trigger another – a Smart City is , in essence , a huge network .
Looking ahead , what are the key challenges and opportunities for the growth and evolution of Smart Cities over the next decade ?
One challenge is consolidation . City departments , local government authorities and private partners need to align themselves to create harmony between functions like traffic , law enforcement ,
The construction sector can benefit from all the data , simulation and analysis that Smart Cities generate , just as any other industry can . schools and waste collection . The difficulty here is managing the data collected from different sources in an efficient and cost-effective way , a burden that decentralisation of processing is already beginning to ease .
The other big challenge is trust , that is , citizen trust in the technology and the data stored . Cameras and other sensors are a vital part of the smooth running of a Smart City , but many citizens are understandably hesitant about their use for surveillance and data collection . The Smart Cities which have been successful thus far are those where citizens understand what the technology can do for them and , indeed , ask for more . For some , finding an optimal balance between the integrity of the citizens while still benefiting from video and data gathering remains a big challenge , meaning a healthy dialogue between city representatives and citizens is crucial .
Which cities around the world are leading the way in Smart City initiatives , and what specific projects or innovations set them apart ?
There are different ways for a city to be smart . It is hard not to be impressed by the efforts of
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