Smart city interactive kiosks debuted in St Louis

The city aims to put smart technology on the ground to advance equity, safety, discovery and mobility across the economic spectrum.

The kiosks are located in historic Old North St Louis and downtown St Louis, Missouri, has deployed the city’s first group of interactive smart digital kiosks. The eight kiosks have been installed in historic Old North St Louis and downtown. Expansion of the network City authorities anticipate that by the end of this year there will be up to 50 additional kiosks installed in neighbourhoods across the city, with further expansion of the network planned for 2021.

Installing, operating and maintaining the kiosk programme requires no financial investment from the city or taxpayers. The programme is completely funded by partner, IKE Smart City, through advertising and sponsorship opportunities when the kiosks are not in use. IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) is a public engagement platform that aims to put smart technology on the ground to advance equity, safety, discovery, and mobility across the economic spectrum.

IKE’s technology can be found in seven other cities, including Denver and Baltimore, with an additional 15 cities in various stages of implementation. The kiosks add lighting to sidewalks, enhance security and include an emergency two-way communication call button that initiates a 911 call to law enforcement and first responders.

“The mission of our smart city initiative is to improve the quality of life for all people.” IKE also serves as a communication outlet for public service and safety announcements, such as an “amber alert” and severe weather watches and warnings. “We’re always looking for ways to better serve the public. The mission of our smart city initiative is to improve the quality of life for all people,” said Dr Robert Gaskill-Clemons, chief technology officer for the city of St Louis.

“The kiosks programme is just one of the ongoing smart city efforts we have in the city and puts new, innovative technology into the hands of our residents and visitors.” Each kiosk allows residents and visitors to discover local businesses, restaurants, hotels, community events and activities.

Inclusion in the listings is free and provides promotional opportunities to local establishments. Wayfinding features on the kiosks facilitate navigation around the city with directions, mapping and real-time public transportation information, including metro buses and light rail. Social and civic resources Additionally, the multilingual and ADA-compliant kiosks serve as a free wi-fi hotspot for members of the public, who can use them to browse listings for social and civic resources like shelters, food banks and job openings.

“We’ve been researching smart city initiatives to determine how we can not only improve the Downtown experience for visitors, workers and residents, but also build infrastructure that will continue to make St. Louis attractive to families, businesses, and more,” added Missy Kelley, CEO of Downtown St Louis, Inc. “As one of the first cities to have both smart kiosks and smart streetlights, these tools can work together to make downtown and the city more interactive and beautiful at the same time.”

Source:Sue Weekes: News editor, Smart Cities World

Manufacturing will generate 25% of 5G revenue by 2028 Fiona Leake By Fiona Leake 21 January 2020 5G

Analysts at ABI Research have forecast that manufacturing will provide a significant percentage of revenue for the 5G Ultra Low Latency Use Cases market. 5G technology is perfectly placed to offer huge benefits in the manufacturing market, meaning businesses need to understand how to fully optimize the new network.

5G in the world of manufacturing

Unlike previous networks, 5G’s ultra-fast and reliable connectivity is the exact thing that manufacturing processes have been calling out for. The introduction of smart factories cries for better connectivity due to use of the Internet of Things, sensors and automated processes.

Real-time data sharing is vital in smart factories to keep track of everything, however, without 5G, systems cannot capture and sort the data coming from devices in smart factories.It is clear that 5G is set to play a huge role in multiple industries other than simply super-fast smartphones. For example, Samsung’s 5G is even being used in BMW’s new iNext car, which plans to utilize the technology to offer many smart features.However, if manufacturing plans to generate 25% of the low latency 5G market’s revenue, businesses and network providers need to be prepared.

The 5G learning curve

Mobile network operators need to take steps to target manufacturers if they wish to reap the benefits of potentially a huge market. As an initial first step, it would be a good idea for network operators to approach large Tier One manufacturers as they are more prepared to invest in new technology. Many manufacturers are already aware of the huge benefits 5G can bring to the workplace but they may be concerned about the requirements to install the new tech.

Network infrastructure vendors also have a job to do if manufacturing is to provide 25% of low latency 5G revenue. Pricing models need to be adjusted and package solutions offered to manufacturers.Lastly, manufacturers themselves need to consider automation and use cases for 5G on the factory floor.

They need to understand deployment and implications of 5G technology.Overall, 5G could offer some incredibly exciting benefits to manufacturers, allowing work to be fully automated, creating a safer and more efficient workplace environment. However, there is a steep learning curve that multiple parties need to adjust to before we could see 25% of 5G low latency revenue coming from manufacturing by 2028.Useful read: 5G how will businesses benefit?

Source: Fiona Leake. 5g.co.uk

Japan to develop strategy for 6G wireless communication networks expected around 2030

The Japanese government said Tuesday it will draw up a comprehensive strategy by this summer on future 6G wireless communications networks and set up a panel to discuss the matter later this month.

The panel on 6G ultrafast communications networks that are expected to be introduced around 2030, succeeding 5G services to be available in Japan this spring, will discuss technological development, potential utilization methods and policies, according to the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry.

“The smooth introduction of standards for next-generation wireless communications networks is indispensable to boosting Japan’s international competitiveness,” communications minister Sanae Takaichi said at a news conference.

Japan has lagged behind the United States and South Korea in launching 5G commercial services. As some other countries have already started discussions on how to utilize 6G technology, Tokyo aims to draft the strategy and lead standardization efforts.

The panel will include representatives of the private sector as well as university researchers and will hear opinions from a variety of industries in order to study potential challenges. The first session is scheduled for next Monday.

Compared to 5G networks, 6G networks will have faster data transmission speeds, an ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously on a greater scale and are also expected to feature extensive security measures and reduced power consumption.

Source: Japan Times