The impact of the pandemic on the development of Smart Cities and digitalization

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development of Smart Cities, as its impact was felt in the most diverse sectors of the economy. Therefore, technologies, such as those of PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS, have been facilitating this progress and responding to the most diverse market needs.

Recent times have proven that crisis-driven technological solutions can bring a better future. The pandemic, besides being considered a kind of catalyst for technological changes, has contributed to the fact that technology could be responsible for the development of Smart Cities.

As this “wave” of innovation is expected to continue, we will continue to see a growing global adoption of emerging technologies, especially since there is a greater openness on the part of citizens for this to happen as naturally as possible.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development of Smart Cities
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development of Smart Cities

The importance of digital connectivity is increasingly present among citizens, who realize that technology and IoT (Internet of Things) can help municipalities to understand what is happening in real-time in the territory. Digital transformation can indeed make cities more resilient. This is because there has been a large investment in solutions that aim to relieve concerns regarding public health and safety, which in turn may bring more support for data collection systems. Data collection can, thus, benefit the way citizens move and interact in cities.

Connectivity is another important factor in Smart Cities, given the increasing need for citizens to access the Internet. With remote work, online classes and many closed establishments, we need to make sure that everyone can be connected. In fact, this should be one of the great priorities of the future.

The unprecedented impact of the pandemic has, nevertheless, brought opportunities for cities, which have been able to respond effectively and autonomously to the crisis.

Digital transformation can make cities more resilient
Digital transformation can make cities more resilient

In fact, Smart Cities are the future. Besides being more sustainable and technologically advanced, they can even prevent another pandemic.

Technological integration, then, is a consequence of scientific progress, commercial prospecting and the needs and consequences of accelerated urbanization. Cities are, therefore, at the center of economic growth.

Considering that cities have had to change and adapt to the reality imposed by the pandemic, they need to become more efficient, inclusive and safe, hence the importance of technology, which is the solution to today’s most pressing problems.

Digital adoption by Smart Cities represents another major step in increasing urban resilience. Digitalization is the key to improving urban conditions.

PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS Solutions

Public Transports

Digital signage plays an important role in all business sectors, improving user experience, communication and management activities. So, it is important to talk about digital signage on board or displays on board, designed to provide multimedia information and content in real-time.

Traffic messages, announcements, emergency information, travel guides and surveillance videos are examples of content delivered to passengers on displays in moving vehicles such as buses and trains. Installable as stand-alone units or as a network within the vehicle, PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS’ systems of digital signage on board are available in various models and languages.

PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS systems of digital signage on board are available in several models
PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS systems of digital signage on board are available in several models

Security

PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS has been developing technological solutions which combine human surveillance with high performance technology, infallible in the detection of occurrences, with a bidirectional 24/7 connection to the security center.

Digital Billboards, namely through videoconference, substitute the physical presence of the security guard, allowing its remote control from the security central, with direct communication to the police. This way, constant bilateral communication between the user and the security guard is made possible.

Smart Parking

Smart Parking solutions not only contribute to improving driver satisfaction, but also empower the emergence of Smart Cities. With the sharp growth of urban areas, smart parking is a key industry for the success of Smart Cities.

For a better parking management and service, PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS has developed several solutions. Besides an AUTIK BALCONY counter kiosk with a ticketing button, PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS has also developed a Digital Billboard (FLAG) that displays available parking spaces, automatic payment kiosks for easy parking in a shopping mall, multimedia kiosks that allow access control and management and parking indicators.

Alternative Parking Indicator in Sintra
Alternative Parking Indicator in Sintra

Face authentication technology

With the evolution of technology and the changing habits of the population, connectivity and interaction are central to everyday life. In fact, information technologies have changed the way we think, act and react. Recent examples are facial authentication systems, as PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS developed (in a partnership with YooniK).

Facial authentication technology, which can be integrated into a multimedia kiosk and has the potential to streamline the ordering process, customer payments and entrance control to establishments, reduces companies’ labor costs. This way, we can see the strong growth of biometric systems in kiosks, which combine security and ease of use.

Zero Contact

PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS created the “Zero Contact” concept, whose main goal is to help companies reopen business safely. This system comes from the adoption of social distancing and low touch measures, to avoid touching objects.

It, thus, includes safer solutions for attendance and queue management, allowing customers to pick up their tickets without the need for physical contact, whether by Scan, QR Code, SMS, Voice, Sensor System, Gestures, Portier or Web Queue.

AVENUXYS - The New Era of Digital Billboards with desinfection system
AVENUXYS – The New Era of Digital Billboards with desinfection system

Digital Billboards with UV Light Disinfection System

PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS produced the first Digital Billboard with automatic touch surface disinfection technology, which equips the AVENUXYS model and can be adapted to any other touch kiosk.

This ultraviolet light disinfection system is safe and powerful, as it eliminates most viruses and germs from the Digital Billboard glass. The AVENUXYS model already benefits from the new system. But this system can be implemented in other models, because it is already being adapted to other kiosks as well.

City Air Purifier

The ZEFIRUS kiosk, from the Hambire line created by PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS, reduces air pollution in cities through its air purification system. This system eliminates air pollution, transforming it into cleaner and healthier air for citizens.

In addition to filtering and purifying the air, the ZEFIRUS also shows the air pollution levels indoors and displays relevant information for users.

Smart Cities innovation is now more important than ever, so almost all major cities have adopted at least some Smart City attributes. The long-term investment will certainly pay off, not only in terms of citizen satisfaction, but also in terms of sustainability and financial strength.

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