In 2020 a proposal by Sidewalk Labs to build a smart city in Toronto fell flat following concerns about privacy. As reported by Surface, the development was to include "robo-taxis, heated sidewalks, and autonomous garbage collection." The new proposal for the space is described as an "urban oasis" with sustainable, affordable housing and plenty of green space. Seemingly a world away from the original tech heavy design.
It has been said that data collection is key to achieving Net Zero in the built environment and "prop-tech" is a current buzz word in the real estate industry. But how does that fit with a need to maintain privacy and what might the smart cities of the future look like?
It was reported in The Retail Gazette this week that Boots has launched its first drone as a trial for delivering prescription medication to more remote areas. Forbes has also reported on potential smart city tech, listing easier to access, more efficient services and lowering carbon emissions as some of the benefits. The tech considered includes:
- smart parking spaces, which can be located and booked by app;
- automated technology, such as drone delivery;
- self-driving cars and smart traffic management systems;
- data collection and environment management in the built environment for comfort and efficiency; and
- adaptable buildings that can be changed to meet the community's current needs.
But with the risk of individuals' data being harvested for commercial gain, this technology will need to be heavily regulated if it is to earn the public's trust.
what many people may not realize is just how big an impact combined smart city technologies could have on the ways we live and work in the coming years.
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