Smart cities in South Africa – the role of technology in urban development

If successful, this development can demonstrate the intersection of technology and urban planning, and it reflects how tech giants like Asus Business, with its suite of business technology solutions, are crucial in realising such visions.

Understanding the smart city framework

Smart cities utilise technology and data to optimise urban functions, improve public services, and drive sustainability. These cities are designed to address various urban challenges – traffic congestion, waste management, water scarcity, and energy inefficiency – by deploying innovative technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning.

For South Africa, where urban centres experience frequent resource strain, the smart city model holds particular promise. Lanseria Smart City, for instance, is set to house 350,000 to 500,000 residents, a testament to the scale of planning needed. Among its pioneering initiatives is a state-of-the-art water treatment facility capable of producing two million litres of water daily, designed to recycle up to 90% of processed water. This environmentally-friendly approach is estimated to save 300,000 tons of CO² emissions, highlighting how technological advancements in urban projects can also meet environmental goals.

Technology as the backbone of urban development

In creating smart city infrastructures, the role of technology goes beyond managing isolated issues to integrating systems that optimise all aspects of urban life. Here, technology companies like Asus Business play a crucial role. I offers a commercial suite tailored to help businesses and public sectors implement scalable, secure, and sustainable tech solutions. These products, such as Asus ExpertBook laptops, ExpertCenter desktops, and IoT devices, form an essential backbone of any smart city project, particularly in areas requiring robust data management, efficient energy usage, and heightened security.

1. Data management and analytics

Smart cities generate vast amounts of data, which, if harnessed correctly, can offer insights into everything from traffic patterns to resource consumption. Asus’s commercial laptops and desktops equipped with AI capabilities are integral in processing and analysing this data in real time. For instance, The Asus NUCs and servers can centralise data from across city departments, offering urban planners and engineers a consolidated view of city metrics. By utilising Asus’s devices with built-in AI, city managers can make predictive decisions – such as adjusting traffic signals based on traffic flows or monitoring energy consumption across neighbourhoods.

2. IoT integration for resource management

In smart cities, the internet of things (IoT) is a game-changer. IoT devices installed in public spaces can provide real-time information on factors like air quality, noise pollution, and waste levels. Asus’ range of IoT solutions is designed for applications like environmental monitoring, which is essential in cities like Lanseria aiming for greener footprints. For example, by leveraging IoT, waste management systems can alert services when bins are full, enabling more efficient collection routes, which reduces fuel consumption and environmental impact.

Moreover, IoT-enabled water management systems, like the one in Lanseria, benefit from Asus technology, where sensors can monitor water levels, pressure, and leakage points across the city. This allows for better control over a critical resource, helping ensure that potable water is available to the entire population while minimising waste.

3. Energy efficiency and green infrastructure

With growing urban populations, energy demands are skyrocketing. Smart cities like Lanseria can turn to Asus’ energy-efficient devices to reduce power consumption across their networks. For instance, the company’s commercial devices are engineered with high power efficiency, ensuring that data centres and municipal offices use less energy without sacrificing performance. By powering data centres with Its energy-optimised solutions, cities can cut down on their energy footprints while keeping the infrastructure running 24/7.

4. Enhanced security and cyber resilience

As smart cities adopt IoT and other digital infrastructures, security concerns become paramount. Data breaches or cyber-attacks on city systems could disrupt essential services, from water management to transportation. Asus’ commercial suite prioritises security, equipping devices with end-to-end protection measures, including biometric authentication, data encryption, and secure boot. For public sector agencies managing smart city projects, The brand’s’ secure devices provide peace of mind, safeguarding resident information and operational data against cyber threats.

Asus in smart city development

The Taiwanese company’s range of commercial solutions not only fits well within the smart city framework but also addresses specific needs identified in South Africa’s urban development projects. Here’s a look at some tangible applications: