Singapore, Helsinki, and Zurich have topped the list of smart cities in 2020. By 2050, cities and metropolitan areas will be home to 80% of the world’s population, according to UN research. This essentially means that the use of energy will increase as time goes on. In the upcoming years, urban transit infrastructures and eco-friendly water systems will be in great demand.
The integration of new technologies, such as IoT for data interchange, will enhance both the quality of life for citizens and the public safety algorithm as a whole. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 smartest cities in the world, which are developing and expanding daily, as more and more cities embark on the smart city journey.
1. Singapore
When it comes to smart cities, Singapore is consistently at the top of the list. One of the fastest-growing cities is it. Since launching its initial initiative in 2014, Singapore has developed a number of technologies that are advantageous to both the public and private sectors. There, citizens have widely embraced contactless payment methods, digital health systems, wearable IoT devices, and many more. Singapore launched a new eco-smart city proposal in 2021 that would include 42,000 homes and be completely car-free.
2. Helsinki
The only city in the world with a 2035 goal of becoming carbon neutral. Although it isn’t a goal in and of itself, the city is making a lot of effort to accomplish it. Compared to 1990, they were able to cut carbon emissions by 27% in 2017. Additionally, they are attempting to lower traffic-related pollution. Their city is being redesigned. It is developing its metro and car charging network as well as switching its bus fleet to electric cars. They are concentrating more on utilizing renewable energy.
3. Zurich
The city’s Smart City initiative began with the installation of sensor-based lighting, which operate by adjusting to the flow of traffic. Up to 70% of the energy was saved, making the project successful. Zurich has since broadened its ambition to encompass it in the entire city. A smart building management system that integrates the city’s heating, power, and cooling systems is also being developed.
4. Amsterdam
Initiated in 2009, the Amsterdam Smart City project. The city is home to various tech initiatives. With its technological advancements including the utilization of renewable energy for various products, solar-powered bus stops, and floating towns, Amsterdam has a strong ability to stay inventive. Nearly every home in the city incorporates a variety of inventions to make life easier.
5. New York
In 2020, New York launched a trial program for smart cities. Numerous sensors and technologies were tested before being installed in various locations throughout the city. The program gathers information to control several systems, including water management and many more. Numerous new technologies, like car-sharing, charging stations, and contactless sharing, have been implemented in New York.
Conclusion
There are many more smart cities throughout the world that leverage cutting-edge technology and have urban planning systems in place to control population growth. Smart cities leverage technological innovation to support more efficient and environmentally friendly operations, such as transportation, heating, water management, and many more things.