Marshalls Envisions Smart Street Furniture with IoT to Aid the Disabled
Laura McQuarrie — May 29, 2015 — Lifestyle
U.K. landscaping manufacturer Marshalls is now working in partnership with Ross Atkin and Associates to develop concepts on how crosswalks, street lamps and other smart street fixtures could be enhanced with IoT technology. Although this has the potential to benefit the public in general, the main purpose of this project is to use Internet of Things technology for people with disabilities.
It's imagined that a person would be able to create a unique account through a web portal and plug in specific preferences that have to do with accessibility. For instance, someone with vision impairments might value brighter streetlights, while another person might appreciate being informed of places nearby to sit.
This data is relayed to the responsive street furniture when people carry a smartphone or fob, so that immediate actions or adjustments can be made through a beacon.
It's imagined that a person would be able to create a unique account through a web portal and plug in specific preferences that have to do with accessibility. For instance, someone with vision impairments might value brighter streetlights, while another person might appreciate being informed of places nearby to sit.
This data is relayed to the responsive street furniture when people carry a smartphone or fob, so that immediate actions or adjustments can be made through a beacon.
Trend Themes
1. Smart Street Fixtures - The integration of IoT technology into street fixtures offers opportunities to create responsive and personalized urban environments.
2. Accessibility Enhancement - Using IoT technology to cater to the specific needs of people with disabilities can revolutionize the way they navigate and interact with urban spaces.
3. Responsive City Infrastructure - The concept of responsive city infrastructure that adapts to individual preferences and needs has the potential to transform urban living.
Industry Implications
1. Urban Landscaping - The urban landscaping industry can leverage IoT technology to create innovative street fixtures that enhance the overall urban experience.
2. Smart City Solutions - The development of smart street fixtures opens up new opportunities for companies specializing in smart city solutions.
3. Assistive Technology - The integration of IoT technology into assistive devices and infrastructure can lead to groundbreaking advancements in the field of assistive technology.
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