Internet of Things-aided Smart Grid: Technologies, Architectures, Applications, Prototypes, and Future Research Directions

Traditional power grids are being transformed into Smart Grids (SGs) to address the issues in existing power system due to uni-directional information flow, energy wastage, growing energy demand, reliability and security. SGs offer bi-directional energy flow between service providers and consumers, involving power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization systems. SGs employ various devices for the monitoring, analysis and control of the grid, deployed at power plants, distribution centers and in consumers' premises in a very large number. Hence, an SG requires connectivity, automation and the tracking of such devices. This is achieved with the help of Internet of Things (IoT). IoT helps SG systems to support various network functions throughout the generation, transmission, distribution and consumption of energy by incorporating IoT devices (such as sensors, actuators and smart meters), as well as by providing the connectivity, automation and tracking for such devices. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey on IoT-aided SG systems, which includes the existing architectures, applications and prototypes of IoT-aided SG systems. This survey also highlights the open issues, challenges and future research directions for IoT-aided SG systems

Internet of robotic things : converging sensing/actuating, hypoconnectivity, artificial intelligence and IoT Platforms

The Internet of Things (IoT) concept is evolving rapidly and influencing newdevelopments in various application domains, such as the Internet of MobileThings (IoMT), Autonomous Internet of Things (A-IoT), Autonomous Systemof Things (ASoT), Internet of Autonomous Things (IoAT), Internetof Things Clouds (IoT-C) and the Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) etc.that are progressing/advancing by using IoT technology. The IoT influencerepresents new development and deployment challenges in different areassuch as seamless platform integration, context based cognitive network integration,new mobile sensor/actuator network paradigms, things identification(addressing, naming in IoT) and dynamic things discoverability and manyothers. The IoRT represents new convergence challenges and their need to be addressed, in one side the programmability and the communication ofmultiple heterogeneous mobile/autonomous/robotic things for cooperating,their coordination, configuration, exchange of information, security, safetyand protection. Developments in IoT heterogeneous parallel processing/communication and dynamic systems based on parallelism and concurrencyrequire new ideas for integrating the intelligent “devices”, collaborativerobots (COBOTS), into IoT applications. Dynamic maintainability, selfhealing,self-repair of resources, changing resource state, (re-) configurationand context based IoT systems for service implementation and integrationwith IoT network service composition are of paramount importance whennew “cognitive devices” are becoming active participants in IoT applications.This chapter aims to be an overview of the IoRT concept, technologies,architectures and applications and to provide a comprehensive coverage offuture challenges, developments and applications

Trends in Smart City Development

This report examines the meanings and practices associated with the term 'smart cities.' Smart city initiatives involve three components: information and communication technologies (ICTs) that generate and aggregate data; analytical tools which convert that data into usable information; and organizational structures that encourage collaboration, innovation, and the application of that information to solve public problems

Towards Sustainable Urban Futures: Exploring Environmental Initiatives in Smart Cities

Environmentally sustainable smart cities have emerged as a promising approach to address the challenges of urbanization while promoting sustainable development and enhancing residents' quality of life. This research article presents the key findings of a comprehensive study that explores the various aspects and initiatives found in environmentally sustainable smart cities.Renewable energy plays a pivotal role in these cities, with a strong emphasis on harnessing solar, wind, and geothermal power. Investments in clean energy infrastructure, such as solar panels, wind farms, and geothermal plants, significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to lower carbon emissions.Energy efficiency is another critical aspect of sustainable smart cities. These cities prioritize the use of smart grids for optimized energy distribution, smart meters for real-time energy monitoring and control, and energy-efficient buildings equipped with insulation, lighting, and HVAC systems that minimize energy consumption.Smart transportation is a key initiative in environmentally sustainable smart cities, focusing on reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. Electric vehicles (EVs) are promoted, accompanied by the development of charging infrastructure. Intelligent transportation systems aid in effective traffic management, while active transportation modes such as cycling, walking, and public transportation are encouraged.Efficient waste management systems are implemented to minimize landfill waste and promote recycling and composting. Smart waste bins equipped with sensors optimize waste collection routes, reduce littering, and provide real-time data on fill levels, aiding in effective waste management.Water management strategies are prioritized to conserve this precious resource. Smart water meters monitor consumption patterns, rainwater harvesting systems are implemented, water-efficient practices are promoted in buildings, and advanced leak detection technologies minimize water loss.Green spaces and biodiversity conservation are fundamental in environmentally sustainable smart cities. By integrating parks, gardens, rooftop greenery, and urban forests, these cities enhance residents' well-being, improve air quality, and provide habitats for wildlife, thus promoting biodiversity.Data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT) play a crucial role in monitoring and optimizing various city systems. Real-time data collection and analysis enable effective management of energy usage, traffic flow, waste management, and other infrastructure, facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation.Citizen engagement is fostered in environmentally sustainable smart cities. Platforms for citizen participation enable residents to provide feedback, report issues, and actively contribute to decision-making processes related to urban planning, energy conservation, waste management, and other sustainability initiatives.The implementation of these strategies in environmentally sustainable smart cities aims to reduce carbon footprints, enhance resource efficiency, improve air and water quality, and create healthier and more livable urban environments. By embracing technology, innovation, and citizen engagement, these cities pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future

User Perceptions of Smart Home IoT Privacy

Smart home Internet of Things (IoT) devices are rapidly increasing in popularity, with more households including Internet-connected devices that continuously monitor user activities. In this study, we conduct eleven semi-structured interviews with smart home owners, investigating their reasons for purchasing IoT devices, perceptions of smart home privacy risks, and actions taken to protect their privacy from those external to the home who create, manage, track, or regulate IoT devices and/or their data. We note several recurring themes. First, users' desires for convenience and connectedness dictate their privacy-related behaviors for dealing with external entities, such as device manufacturers, Internet Service Providers, governments, and advertisers. Second, user opinions about external entities collecting smart home data depend on perceived benefit from these entities. Third, users trust IoT device manufacturers to protect their privacy but do not verify that these protections are in place. Fourth, users are unaware of privacy risks from inference algorithms operating on data from non-audio/visual devices. These findings motivate several recommendations for device designers, researchers, and industry standards to better match device privacy features to the expectations and preferences of smart home owners.Comment: 20 pages, 1 tabl

SPATIAL AUTONOMY: Exploring Industry 4.0/5.0 Trends on Architectural Design

The rise of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 presents significant opportunities for the architecture industry to incorporate advanced technologies into its design and construction processes. However, the full potential of these technologies in architectural design has yet to be fully explored. This thesis, ‘Spatial Autonomy: Exploring Industry 4.0 and 5.0 Trends in Architectural Design,’ aims to investigate the ability of buildings to function autonomously through the integration of smart technologies. This exploration focuses on how Industry 4.0 and 5.0 trends can optimize building performance, creating more comfortable and enjoyable experiences for users, while also enhancing efficiency and sustainability. It examines the emerging questions: How to design in response to these technologies? What constitutes a design framework for integrating Industry 4.0 and 5.0 into architectural design, and how can this framework be applied to future projects? As digital, cloud, and AI computing demands increase globally, current data centers, which contribute to 0.3% of global CO2 emissions, are primarily designed to meet existing demands rather than anticipating and creating a more balanced relationship between demand and environmental sustainability. This thesis challenges this norm by proposing the design of a data center integrated within a mixed-use complex that adheres to the principles of Industry 5.0, emphasizing environmental and social health. This approach advocates for the integration of systems at the onset of the design process, proposing that early incorporation can significantly enhance the benefits of these advanced technologies. The research seeks to redefine the data center not just as a static structure but as a dynamic, responsive, and sustainable architectural form that functions as a closed feedback loop with its urban environment, dynamically interacting with and adapting to its human and ecological context. In conclusion, ‘Spatial Autonomy’ not only explores but also aims to redefine the process of designing in the digital age, setting a precedent for a more harmonious integration of cutting-edge technologies into architectural design. This thesis illustrates the potential for buildings to be not merely static structures but dynamic environments that intelligently respond to user needs and contribute actively to environmental sustainability

Transforming Smart Cities with Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Implications

This paper explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on smart cities. With the rapid development of AI, its applications in smart cities have become increasingly important in enhancing urban development, improving public services, and creating sustainable and efficient urban environments. The paper first provides an overview of smart cities and AI, highlighting the importance of studying the impact of AI on smart cities. It then examines the role of AI in smart cities, including its definition, applications, and benefits. The paper also analyzes the impact of AI on smart city development, including changes in urban planning and design, transportation and traffic management, energy efficiency, and public safety and security. However, the potential risks and challenges of AI in smart cities, such as ethical and privacy concerns, job displacement, and cybersecurity risks, are also discussed. Finally, the paper explores the future of AI in smart cities, including opportunities for further innovation, collaboration between public and private sectors, and potential impact on urban lifestyles and citizen engagement. The paper concludes with a summary of the key points and implications for future research and policy-making