With the ever-increasing number of cars on roads and projected rise in urban populations, the demand for smart streets is set to soar. As technology advances, Urban Acres explores four potential ways in which smart street technology will evolve, revolutionising urban road infrastructure.
AI-powered streets enhance safety and efficiency: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives, and its role in cities is expanding rapidly. Real-time data from roads is now being leveraged to improve urban safety measures and efficiency. Hayden AI, a US-based company, utilises AI-powered perception software to capture and analyse metadata from city streets. This technology has already proven its potential by detecting illegal parking in bus lanes. Sensors powered by AI can optimise traffic flow, minimise congestion, and enhance safety by providing real-time insights into vehicle speed, traffic volume, and vehicle identification.
Wireless charging roads for electric vehicles: The need for charging infrastructure is increasing as the world transitions towards electric vehicles (EVs). German tech startup Magment is at the forefront of wireless transfer charging, developing power transfer pads made from recycled materials that can be integrated into the road surface. These electrified street lanes would enable EVs to charge while driving, addressing concerns about limited charging stations for long-distance trips.
Cool pavement to combat urban heat island effect: Climate change poses significant challenges to urban areas, particularly with the urban heat island effect. To combat this, cities like Phoenix in the U.S. are experimenting with cool pavement. Applying a water-based asphalt treatment that acts as a reflective surface can mitigate the urban heat island effect. Phoenix claims a significant decrease in pavement surface temperature since implementing this treatment.
Plastic roads and modular pavement for sustainable infrastructure: Traditional pavement contributes to drainage issues, but innovative solutions like PlasticRoad’s recycled plastic blocks offer an alternative. These blocks contain hollow channels that capture, filter, and store or transmit water directly into the soil. They also provide space for pipes, cables, and wiring, making the infrastructure more sustainable and durable. Modular street prototypes, developed by Carlo Ratti Associati, feature hexagonal blocks that can be easily moved or replaced, allowing roads to serve multiple purposes.
As the world rapidly urbanises and the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, the evolution of smart street technology becomes paramount. From AI-powered systems that optimise traffic flow to wireless charging roads for electric vehicles and innovative pavement solutions, these advancements promise to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
