Three Challenges with Intelligent Cities
While the technology used in intelligent cities can be robust, there are many challenges with the technology being deployed. Capacity and coverage have always presented a challenge for scaling up technology and smart cities are no different. First, the technology requires hardware, such as sensors, to collect and process important data points. These sensors need power to run. There are not enough batteries to power the number of sensors in smart cities. Similarly, if the sensors were to be powered by wires we would certainly overload our power grids. In the interim, before we can wirelessly power these sensors, there will be constant retrofitting.
Another challenge with intelligent cities is sensory overload. The amount of data we have at our fingertips is increasing immensely. But like most powerful tools, there is a need for moderation. There has always been a false narrative that technology can fix everything. And while that may or may not be true, humans are extremely intelligent beings and it would be silly to use technology to try and replace our skills. Urban data will not fix all of our problems. But leaders who can interpret and use the data in a positive capacity will be crucial to the success of intelligent cities.
On final challenge, is assessing whether a community wants or needs intelligent technology. Implementing technology in a community that doesn’t want to use it then it will be a struggle throughout.
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