The future we are building right now is absolutely incredible since so-called smart cities might become ubiquitous in the coming decades.
Could you believe that? We witness (while some of us take an active part in these improvements) drastic transformations for the better in different corners of the world.
Nevertheless, sometimes it is hard to keep up with all these changes, but what do we have to do in these circumstances? Go with the flow?
It is essential to acknowledge the fact that our world continuously transforms, which becomes especially tangible due to the widespread internet presence.
Scientists work laboriously on artificial intelligence and perspectives of its usage on a daily basis.
It is possible that within several decades a lot of groundbreaking technology (e.g. cleaning robots at every home) would be part of the everyday routine and people would view it as something very ordinary like having a smartphone or a laptop.
But now we are just at the first stages of yet many unknown improbable technological miracles and its limitless opportunities. So, let’s dive into the world of tomorrow’s cities.
Photo by Alex Knight on Unsplash
Robotics in the 21st Century
It is no surprise that in the United Arab Emirates, people strive to implement successfully a variety of innovations, such as robots, for example.
In the bustling city center of Dubai, near Burj Khalifa (as well as in a number of shopping malls, and different tourist attractions), one may observe robots, which became indispensable members of the Dubai Police.
Its principal objective is to assist people, mainly tourists, providing helpful information on multiple inquiries.
They support several languages, including English. Although the role of the robot at hand will be elaborated in the future, it is definitely impressive even at this stage.
Moreover, with its help, anyone can contact the Dubai Police if necessary, and take advantage of other useful services like paying traffic fines.
Of course, they function non-stop, i.e. 24/7, unlike human beings, which is a great asset, for sure. If your professor said “Write me an essay on the subject of robotics”, but you struggle with it, don’t hesitate to use professional assistance.
In the United States, there are robots too. The most prevailing ones are those responsible for providing security.
Also, in many European countries, for instance in France, are operating robots at railway stations that were designed to offer access to timetables. According to many experts, robots will be significantly improved in the days to come.
Today they are, for the most part, rudimentary and experimental. But even now scientists work scrupulously on its steady enhancement.
Additionally, it is critical that people get used to its everyday presence in public places since nowadays a vast majority still perceives robotics as something out of ordinary, thus, somewhat cautiously.
As always, it takes some time to make any brand-new enterprise work seamlessly, no matter what obstacles.
No wonder, China works hard to take a leading role in the robotics industry. Reportedly, the Chinese aim to build the biggest camera surveillance network for security purposes. One may see them at train stations, airports, and other public territories.
They are equipped with cameras, therefore, can accurately recognize people’s faces. Probably this could help to detect criminals or other suspicious personalities, which is a pretty powerful tool, don’t you agree on the point?
Meanwhile, in many countries across continents, there are already a lot of robots that carry security checks. Without any doubt, it is very convenient.
Could you believe that the drone revolution is happening now in some parts of the world? And its role goes far beyond basic delivering goods service.
As an example, Dubai has ambitions to launch autonomous taxi drones. And the thing is, the project would be arguably implemented in the near future.
Many experts tend to think that the rise of city robots is the irrevocable process of development.
Urban areas need their help, from cleaning to security services. Undeniably, at the moment robots are quite expensive, though its functionality is rather basic at the same time.
But, as it was mentioned before, the extensive improvement is imminent. The rudimental stage won’t take a long time.
It is high time for everyone to embrace the idea that our cities might be full of drones circulating in order to make our lives easier very soon.
The technology develops by leaps and bounds, and our task is to accept potential changes, as well as benefit from its assets.
Smart Cities & Air Quality Issue: What to Expect?
Many cities, all over the globe, especially busy cities, have faced the acute problem of air pollution for the past decade.
It becomes more and more difficult for governments to control this unfortunate issue.
Tellingly, a lot of Chinese cities have been struggling to eliminate this matter successfully, including the capital – Beijing, and other important cities like Shanghai, for instance.
That is the main reason why people should build and zealously promote green cities.
Also, many architects support the idea that modern offices should be filled with natural light and be full of plants or even gardens on the other side of the spectrum (e.g. Google offices).
We have observed the advent of this phenomenon back in the days, and probably famous super-trees with incredible flora and fauna, called “Gardens by the Bay” that located in Singapore might be one of the best examples to corroborate that this concept is both reasonable and workable not only for offices but for public spaces too.
Plus, it is utterly beautiful, isn’t it?
Clearly, cities are huge polluters. Consequently, it is essential to tackle the problem efficiently at the source, including carbon emissions issue.
That is why green initiatives become increasingly popular.
Let’s take as an example electric cars, buses and other public transportation that is already circulating in many cities. Or another alternative – prevailing usage of bikes instead, which became a general practice from Amsterdam to Montreal.
Garden bridges, green hotels, the list goes on. So many exclusive projects are currently in the process of elaboration, which involves thousands of specialists in the field from gardeners to landscape designers.
The good thing is that it can help a wide range of cities to keep the air quality on a good level. But, unfortunately, it isn’t enough for China at this point.
A number of cutting-edge machines that can predict bad air quality are involved to combat rather frequent cases of smog.
Sometimes government representatives recommend to close factories for several days, reduce urban traffic, or suggest other powerful methods to keep people safe and healthy.
Have you heard that citizens can also benefit from a traffic light warning system? Obviously, red color indicates that air pollution level is too high; in that case, it is better to spend more time indoors.
While green means that it is absolutely safe to be outside as air quality rates are normal and under control.
Other cities use analogous systems, some of them offer special applications, where citizens may track and share relevant information.
In London, people are provided with access to the data regarding pollution level right on the web too.
That being said, it is imperative that smart city programs be vastly adopted since they have already proved the necessity for our well-being.
Fantastic Urban Projects to Be Implemented in the Near Future
- Europa City in Paris, France
It is a mixed-use development designed by Danish firm Bjarke Ingels Group. The platform will offer housing, as well as multiple shops, plazas, cafes, restaurants, and even artificial ski slope.
It will be located in a suburban area near Paris, thus, reducing congestion in the central areas of the capital. Its construction is planned to be finished in 2024.
- The World Trade Center site in New York City, USA
New York City works on redeveloping the Manhattan site where the Twin Towers stood before the notorious September 11th attacks.
1 World Trade Center, known as the Freedom Tower is already completed along with several other towers. It also includes the 9/11 memorial and museum, a shopping mall, and even a park.
Yet its construction won’t be full without the rest towers, a church, and the arts center as well. The project should be completed by 2020.
- Shibuya Station Area Redevelopment in Tokyo, Japan
Thoroughly preparing for the 2020 Summer Olympics, the Japanese decided that the well-known Shibuya Station Area has to be improved.
As a result, the project envisages building seven skyscrapers, which would be an integral part of the station. One of them will serve as a residential building, while others as offices, and probably as retail business platforms.
The project is very vast, that is why its entire completion is set to be finished only by 2027.
- New Cairo Capital in Cairo, Egypt
This colossal project includes more than twenty residential districts. What is remarkable is that it also comprises over 1,000 mosques and churches, 2,000 educational establishments like schools and colleges, as well as a significant number of medical facilities.
A huge park will amaze its residents with advanced technologies and astounding natural environment; of course, breathtaking views are guaranteed. Its construction is expected to wrap up by 2022.
