THE CITY OF Rotterdam is to install a multifunctional ‘street light of the future’ which includes options for electric charging, 5G, cameras and a variety of sensors like air and sound.
The multifunctional streetlighting pole can double as a power socket for electric cars, a 5G transmission tower, a CCTV unit, an air quality monitor – and anything else a city might ask for.
A pilot will start in January with three units of the Connective Energy Network Tool – Rotterdam (CENT-R) installed in the Reyeroord district of the city.
The installation appears to be a proof of concept, with no immediate roll-out plans.
However, Dutch manufacturer Lightwell says the trial will enable the city to work towards an infrastructure filled with smart city applications.
The multifunctional streetlighting pole can double as a power socket for electric cars, a 5G transmission tower, a CCTV unit, an air quality monitor – and anything else a city might ask for.
With its circular and modular design, future changes are easy says Lightwell, allowing it to be continuously updated with the latest technological innovations and serve as a marketplace for partners with applications that can benefit citizens of the city.
‘Rotterdam aims to be a prime example of the digital city by 2025,’ said Rotterdam’s economic councillor Barbara Kathman.
‘We want to be sustainable, accessible and a place where people enjoy to live and work.
‘Partnering with businesses and knowledge institutes is what makes introducing the latest digital innovations possible.
‘The pilot with CENT-R will run until the end of 2020 and is extremely valuable on the road to becoming a completely climate neutral city by 2030’.
The CENT-R is one of breed of new street lights which are ‘future-proofed’ and capable of delivering a range of services.
In 2016, the first Wi-Fi-enabled exterior street light was unveiled in Milton Keynes in the UK.
The interactive Shuffle streetlight – manufactured by Urbis Schreder – included 360-degree LED lighting, CCTV and a remote-controlled public address system.
With its circular and modular design, future changes are easy says Lightwell, allowing it to be continuously updated with the latest technological innovations
