Smart cities are all about optimization of city operations and their processes. Consequently, as a digital signage business, our role in this field is to help cities to improve information access to citizens and tourists on one side, and municipality stakeholders on the other. This includes governing bodies, as well as departments such as police.

Innovative outdoor LCD kiosk solutions are based on any combination of interactive info signage, that can be equipped with add-ons such as: large sized LCDs, Wi-Fi, card readers, NFC, printers, cameras, security cameras, payphones, phone chargers, health kits, environmental sensors to gather data and other digital equipment.

LinkNYC is a very good case of more integrated solution (HW+SW). It is a first large installation of this type of solutions and it seems it is serving NYC well. In its core is a combination of real-time info point, modern phone booth, and a super-fast Wi-Fi network. Which is one of the NYC approach to a bad internet town infrastructure.

Alphabet inc (owned by Google), is main investor, and they intend to cover gradually 10.000 locations all around the city. This project can be a learning experience for all of us interested in participating in this industry.

So, what are main reasons to adopt such solutions?

These real-time operation IOT devices can enable a wide array of set-ups, to fit the need of individual towns and cities.

The main benefits are that towns:

• better connect to citizens and tourists in public spaces,

• can generate revenues with DOOH adverting and improved access to services.

Beside basic functionalities of informing users, this network can be used to:

• generate revenues with sales of services,

• generate revenues with sales of advertising,

• share informative and entertaining contents

• educate about public issues,

• collect environmental data,

• act as emergency point with its displays,

• serve as lifesaving point with integrated health equipment,

• count a number of passersby.

Becoming a part of landscape of a city

Construction designs can be smaller or larger in size. They can incorporate multiple add-ons, or serve as a simple town service sales point. It really depends what vision does the city want to achieve in terms of functionalities and appearance itself.

Large imotion Safety Point type structures are made to be visible. With 75” advertising panels, it can be a perfect tool to generate revenues. On the contrary, smaller outdoor LCD kiosk can be used for a minimal footprint on the environment.

Visible constructions placed at interesting locations can be used as orientation town points in the towns. So, if you happen to work on such project, make sure designs are aligned with the regional requirements. In certain countries this is more important, and in others not as much.

Digital signage industry – we don’t have to install 10.000 units to be part of Smart City signage

Improving city life does not necessary require the use of a large number of outdoor LCD kiosks. Let’s consider case of Oslo that wants to promote bike riding. They have integrated large format outdoor LCD messaging into an urban furniture element. More about their “smart city bicycle pavilion” you can read in our case study.

Bottom line is that there are many alternatives how technology can make life of citizens and tourists better. Municipalities and its departments can use outdoor LCD kiosks to keep citizens updated with city info and major changes. They can generate and capture data to enhance quality of life, or be a part of infrastructure and transport network (Modern bush shelters, EV Chargers … ).

imotion Charge

imotion Charge helps cities to viably scale charging infrastructure and accelerate EV adoption.

imotion Bus Shelter

Modern bus shelters augmented with digital components which can inform, interact, engage, sell or just strengthen connection between the town and its citizens.

imotion Phone Booth

imotion Telephone Booth is a convenient way to introduce smart city kiosk possibilities to governments.