IoT-enabled intelligent lighting systems for smart cities – a game-changer for street lighting?

The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution has forever changed how we live and work, with billions of smart devices connected to the internet at all times, sharing data and syncing in real-time via the cloud. In this age of IoT everything, it’s no surprise that cities are going smart, deploying intelligent street lighting systems to save energy, reduce costs and improve citizens’ quality of life with sensors that respond to their needs in real-time. 

What is Smart Lighting 

Smart city street lighting may become a popular term over time. Smart street lighting is essentially an intelligent system that can control remotely via wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi or cellular networks. You could use it to adjust brightness levels in response to traffic conditions or weather forecasts or even to dim or turn off lights when they are not needed. 

The Challenges of Smart Lighting 

If you’re unfamiliar with IoT technology, here’s what you need to know: All objects around you—from TVs and smartphones to houses and cars—have embedded chips. These microchips allow them to talk to each other via connected networks. The concept is similar to how people can connect Wi-Fi at home or work, but on a much larger scale. 

How Can IoT Help? 

IoT is all about making objects, animals, humans and other sensors on the planet smarter. It has been predicted that IoT will soon connect over 50 billion ”things” around the world to one another by 2022. With billions of connected devices communicating with each other to form new eco-systems, you can only imagine how cool life would be. 

Cost of Street Lighting Projects 

Street lights are an investment, and they cost money to install. On average, each luminaire costs $300 to $600, depending on your area and whether or not you go with sodium vapour or high-pressure sodium bulbs. If you’re planning a large project, these numbers can add up quickly. 

What Are Some Benefits? 

IoT is set to change how businesses operate across multiple industries. One example is connected street lights and infrastructure, IoT-enabled building blocks that can help modernize and strengthen any city’s architecture. 

Final Thoughts on Smart Cities and Smart Lighting 

Urban infrastructure can have dramatically different uses in a connected world. But just how does modern technology like IoT fit into urban design strategies? Smart city technologists are working hard to change urban landscape to facilitate transportation, commerce, and recreational activities. It now involves fully digitizing the surroundings with sensors embedded throughout all aspects of city life. A new generation of IoT-enabled smart lighting systems for smart cities can help provide powerful solutions to current challenges in the U.S.