By 2050, 68% of the world’s population will reside in urban areas, according to the UN. This acceleration of urbanization will be an unprecedented strain on infrastructure, public services and resources, fundamentally challenging cities in how they operate.
But thankfully, smart cities are becoming equipped to meet these demands by enhancing resident services, as well as advancing urban planning, public safety and sustainability efforts. With data being the foundation for smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT) platforms and urban digital twins can play a crucial role in tackling current and future challenges.
IoT and digital twins bring smart cities to life
At the heart of smart city innovation are IoT-driven sensors and digital twins. IoT sensors provide real-time data on everything from traffic patterns to air quality, while digital twins provide a virtual representation of a physical environment and create a dynamic, interactive model of city infrastructure.
Stuttgart, Germany at the forefront
As the capital of southwest Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state, Stuttgart is a manufacturing powerhouse and home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. However, its geography presents unique challenges.
Located in a valley basin with mild weather and low wind speeds, Stuttgart is particularly prone to poor air quality due to high traffic volume and industrial activity. Despite these challenges, Stuttgart is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and green spaces, with 39% of the city’s land protected as preserved areas.
To build on its sustainability initiatives and enhance the quality of life for its 600,000 residents, Stuttgart recognized the need for a unified platform to visualize and analyze data from its network of IoT sensors.
With Hexagon’s digital twin solution, developed in collaboration with Fujitsu Limited, Stuttgart can leverage a centralized, cloud-based platform that provides a common operating picture for the city’s operations.
The platform integrates data from IoT sensors across the city, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of critical factors such as:
- Air and water quality: Continuous measurement of carbon dioxide, oxygen, turbidity and pH values
- Temperature and heat: Effective monitoring of local heat development over time
- Parking occupancy: Efficient parking space management to reduce congestion and emissions
This unified platform has the power to enhance how Stuttgart manages its urban environment. By consolidating and analyzing data from multiple sources, city leaders can make informed decisions that promote sustainability and address environmental challenges.
Real-world success stories beyond Stuttgart
Stuttgart is not alone in leveraging IoT and digital twin technologies. Other cities, such as Campo de Cartagena, Spain, are also embracing these solutions to tackle complex urban challenges.
In Campo de Cartagena, a digital twin monitors environmental changes, including water and vegetation health, while simulating scenarios like flooding and pollution. This proactive approach enhances resilience and supports long-term sustainability goals.
The future of urban living
As cities continue to grow, embracing IoT and digital twin technologies will be critical to creating resilient, connected and sustainable urban environments. These tools not only address immediate challenges, but also lay the foundation for a future where cities are safer, smarter and better equipped to serve residents.
