Smart Poles for Smart Cities

Today’s technology is leading the next revolution in street lighting. “Smart Cities” can now direct drivers to vacant parking spots via a phone app, change traffic flow by altering signal patterns and warn drivers of traffic congestion, among other things. According to Forbes’ “6 Ways the Internet of Things is Creating the City of the Future,” objects connected to the Internet will reach 25 billion by 2020.

The once humble light pole will play an important role in this connectivity, as well as being a central component of smart cities. Light poles are no longer just a convenient place to tape up photos of lost cats and mattress sale flyers! Think of poles as information hubs, places to power up, early-warning systems, geographic coordinates for autonomous vehicles, and more.

Give that Pole a Hug

It’s not uncommon to see strange sights in New York City, but watching someone hug a light pole may rank near the top. A few years back, pedestrians in New York became enamored with a light pole that conversed with passers-by. The personable pole was a gimmick by GE to promote the possibilities of smart street lights.

The demonstration involved a street lamp outfitted with a large video screen, speaker and microphone. As people walked by, an actor addressed them, explaining that he could provide weather and traffic information and answer questions about the area. “Where can I find free parking?” (a rarity in NYC) was a popular question.

Once people got past the initial surprise of a talking street lamp, they seemed eager to engage, and several even gave the pole a hug.

Although this event was just an experiment at one intersection (the actual pole will interact with your smartphone), it started a conversation (literally) around the future role of light poles in smart cities. Because these poles are already placed in convenient locations, with full access to power, they are ideal for communication modules, video surveillance, information kiosks and other “smart city” applications.

Hey Pole, What’s Happening?

Not only will street lamps continue to shed light for safety and accessibility, but they’ll act like digital assistants, providing information. such as geographic coordinates, traffic reports, parking availability, and upcoming events, either through LED banners, interactive kiosks or smartphone apps. Smart poles will be able to gather information from many sources and create an integrated network. Think of the everyday light pole as a central hub for collecting information about city services and local businesses – and bringing it together in one convenient platform for pedestrians.

For example, imagine visiting a city for the first time and wondering what events are going on in the area or where to park? Just consult the corner light pole through a kiosk or app on your smart phone! Whether you’re a resident running everyday errands or a visitor trying to navigate a new locale, light poles could make your life easier with helpful guidance.

“Think about it; light poles already have a power supply, they are tall, sturdy, accessible and abundant. They could be a central component of smart cities by harnessing the power of real-time local information and making it easy to convey that information to citizens and visitors alike.”

From: “Smart Cities Embrace the Power of the Light Pole,” Industrial Electrical Connectors Business & Technology, Remke Blog, 2016.

Put Poles on Safety Duty

Of course, good communication goes two ways, which is why smart poles are starting to offer emergency buttons that allow people to call for help, while built-in speakers broadcast information, such as Amber Alerts or emergency situations. Sensors can detect rising floodwaters, biological and radiological hazards, and even gun fire, and relay that information to first responder command centers.

Power Up at the Pole

Light poles also offer a convenient power source. According to the 2017 International Agency (IEA) Report, there are more than two million electric vehicles on the road around the world, and that number continues to grow. Light poles would make a perfect charging station for these vehicles. Simply plug your car into a nearby pole while you shop or dine.

But electric cars are not the only thing that needs a handy power supply – drones also require a place to recharge. According to an article in Popular Science, entitled “Amazon Patent Lets Drones Perch on Streetlight Recharging Stations,” the company plans on installing “perches” throughout cities, including atop light poles. These landing pads are planned to act as charging stations for drones, as well as facilitate cargo transfers and communication.

Take Advantage of Existing Infrastructure

As cities continue to evolve, people will become increasingly connected through technology. City planners have two choices when adding this connectivity: 1) Build new structures to house information kiosks and power stations; or 2) Take advantage of existing structures, such as light poles, to add technology. We’re betting that truly smart cities will see light poles as opportunities to save costs, while making upgrades. New York and many other cities around the world are already discovering the benefits of “smart poles.”

Street lights have come a long way from their modest beginnings of simply providing light – extending the day for people and businesses. These ubiquitous features of our towns, neighborhoods, entertainment venues, and parking lots, are now an integral part of a smart city’s infrastructure. From traffic surveillance and information kiosks, to electric car and drone charging stations, light poles are positioned for the future.

“The future is coming, and it’s brightly towering right above our heads.” (Smart Cities Embrace the Power of the Light Pole)

DWM Holdings also has an eye on the future. As an umbrella company for a portfolio of pole manufacturing brands, including United Lighting Standards; General Structures, Inc.; Lyte Poles; and UniPost Systems, we produce a complete line of aluminum and steel poles, with design and engineering capabilities to produce custom products. Our poles provide the real estate for the information kiosks, LED banners, drone landing pads and other elements needed to power tomorrow’s cities.

For more information, go to www.dwmholdings.com or call 586.541.0013.

Sources:

“Smart Street Lights at Smart Cities Council.” (https://smartcitiescouncil.com/article/new-yorks-talking-lamp-post-and-what-it-implies-your-city)

“Smart Cities Embrace the Power of the Light Pole,” (www.remke.com/blog/business-technology/smart-cities-embrace-the-power-of-the-light-pole/)