Cooperation, Interoperability Key for Success of IoT in Smart Cities, Panelists Say

Cooperation among government entities and public safety officials, as well as interconnectivity between devices and programs, are critical for the success of IoT technology used in the development of smart cities, speakers said during a panel Tuesday at the Smart Cities Week conference. Interoperable sensors are one of the main IoT devices used by cities, panelists said, and their uses range from identifying traffic patterns to predicting earthquakes and aiding in disaster recovery. Jimmy Chou, Geographic Information Systems Research Center director at Feng Chia University in Taiwan, said several systems of integrated sensors are used in Taiwan to measure earthquakes and coordinate disaster preparedness protocols, and to predict areas most in danger of flooding during typhoons. But when using IoT technology, such as connected sensors that are operated by several separate entities, Chou said, the information gained from the devices won't be as effective unless the groups are able to share data and ensure their systems are interoperable. "Every bureau and sensor has to be smart enough to communicate with each other," Chou said. "Every member has to be connected ... [and] I think that's [really] the focus of the IoT." Gaurav Garg, Santa Clara, California, chief information officer, said he and his team use the IoT, through interconnected sensors and connected devices, to aid public safety officials in high-density areas during professional sporting events. Sensor data is accessible by several city departments, and select traffic information gleaned from sensors is made available to the public, Garg said. Certain social media data is also collected by the city and the results of an analysis are sent to mobile connected devices used by public safety officials to anticipate and address potential hazards, he said. The success of IoT technology used to enhance and develop smart cities hinges nearly entirely on interdepartmental cooperation and the availability of data across multiple sets of platforms and stakeholders, Garg said. "Collaboration is [often] the biggest accomplishment." Monday, the White House said it will make $160 million in grants for smart cities (see 1509150025 and 1509140054).