Smart street furniture refers to infrastructure or urban amenities, often located in public areas, that have integrated technology features to enhance their use, functionality and sustainability. These features include sensors and connectivity measures, and facilitate a variety of services and utilities. A wide range of street furniture is now being digitally connected because of advancements in technologies such as internet of things (IoT), 5G, artificial intelligence (AI) and small cells. Integration between benches, bus stops, kiosks and other urban amenities enables a cohesive, interconnected urban infrastructure.
According to industry reports from 2024, the global smart street furniture market was valued at $155.7 million in 2023. The compound annual growth rate for the market during 2023-30 is estimated to be 11.9 per cent, and its value is projected to reach $341.3 million by 2030. This growth is driven by the rising adoption of street furniture in global markets.
A look at the deployment trends in street furniture in key global regions…
Asia
In China, the Unilumin Group is working with Huawei on a smart pole solution designed for smart city projects worldwide. The poles will combine traffic lights, street lights, closed circuit television and security lights. They are equipped with information and telecommunications technology solutions such as public Wi-Fi, IoT sensors and drone deployment capabilities.
Apollo International and House of Invention have signed a cooperation agreement to deploy smart poles and smart city solutions throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern and African markets. Further, the Saudi
Arabian government has committed to invest $6 billion annually for new smart city infrastructure.
The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai has launched a new generation of smart kiosks with advanced features and modern designs, to improve ease of use. So far, 32 kiosks have been installed in 21 locations. They provide 28 different digital services related to vehicle licensing, drivers, parking, the nol Pay app and revenue management (licensing, sales invoices, etc.) to meet the needs of the public. They support various payment options, including cash, credit card and payment via near-field communication technology on smartphones.
In Malaysia, Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd (Gentari) is collaborating with the BMW Group to activate new electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities in the Exchange TRX. The new facilities will boast a combined 13 units of 22kWh alternating current chargers, offering EV owners a fast and efficient way to power up their vehicles during their visit to the shopping hub. Gentari is also collaborating with Naza Automotive Holdings Sdn Bhd to create an all-encompassing electric mobility ecosystem, laying the groundwork for revolutionising the EV landscape and redefining the trajectory of EV adoption in Malaysia. In addition, the Government of Malaysia has officially increased its target for EV charging bays powered by direct current fast chargers from 1,000 to 1,500. The total number of EV charging bays throughout Malaysia, as of March 2024, stands at 2,288, powered by 268 chargers.
In May 2024, Mulytic Energy launched Charge AI, a platform that empowers its users to instantly connect to charging stations for real-time access, in Bangladesh. Charge AI users can connect with 2G or above chargers, as well as hyper chargers, for both home and commercial use, according to their needs. The platform can identify and resolve issues instantly, minimising downtime and optimising efficiency. Genex Infrastructure Limited had also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CG Runner to set up 10 EV charging stations around Dhaka city, Bangladesh, by March 2024. It aims to build a sustainable charging network across the country by installing more charging stations throughout the year. Furthermore, the Government of Bangladesh recently adopted the Electric Motor Vehicle Registration and Operation Guideline, 2023, with the aim to ensure that 30 per cent of vehicles are electric by 2030.
In Sri Lanka, Cargills and the United States Agency for International Development have co-funded and implemented the Charge while You Shop Project to integrate EV charging stations, complemented by solar power, into multiple Cargills Retail locations in Colombo under Sri Lanka’s Energy Program. The project aims to make renewable energy more accessible to people who own EVs.
Europe
In the UK, the BT Group has announced a 10-year partnership with Global to upgrade UK’s legacy payphones and roll out more digital hubs for local communities, aiming to provide better connectivity and hyper – local advertising in over 200 towns and cities across the country. Global will convert up to 2,000 conventional BT payphones and kiosks into brand new Street Hubs over a 10 year period from 2025. The BT Group will continue to provide mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity to these units. Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2, in collaboration with Liberty Global, has successfully trialled an innovative, new way of improving and expanding mobile services by combining its fixed network infrastructure with new smart poles, which could help boost mobile coverage in local areas across the UK. The new poles are much smaller than traditional mobile phone masts, and do not require planning permission.
O2 Telefónica and 5G Synergiewerk have activated the first 5G street light in operation in Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany, as part of a pilot project. 5G Synergiewerk supplied the special intelligent light pole, while O2 Telefónica oversaw the installation of energy-efficient 4G/5G mobile communications technology for the project.
In England, the University of Coimbra has installed its first solar-powered smart bench, aiming to raise community awareness of alternative, efficient and sustainable energy solutions, while reinforcing its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities). The bench is self-sufficient in terms of energy, using technology based on the photoelectric effect, which converts sunlight into electricity. It can charge mobile phones and other electronic devices via USB or wireless connections, using photovoltaic solar power. Also, PEL Waste Reduction has introduced BriteBin, a smart street bin powered by solar technology, in West Kirby, England. These bins use solar power to compact waste and alert the council when they need to be emptied.
A smart municipal waste management system has been developed by students at Warsaw University of Technology and implemented in Sierpc, Poland. The bins use IoT and a special sensor technology to measure how full bins are. The collected data enables optimisation of garbage collection routes, saving fuel and labour.
USA
In Atlanta, Decatur has built smart benches at bus stops across town. The benches are solar-powered and offer lights, chargers, and soon, free Wi-Fi. The city aims to install 15 more smart benches and 10 more bus shelters.
Bluebolt Outdoor Limited Liability Company has built new benches powered by off-grid solar in California State University, Dominguez Hills. The benches provide off-grid wireless charging for student devices such as phones and tablets, and include a Wi-Fi access point. They have integrated LED lighting, USB charging ports and a double-sided poster display space. The benches also contain environmental sensors to monitor air quality, along with flood and fire detection capabilities. The company will roll out more such installations in Arkansas, other parts of California, Illinois and Texas in 2024.
Milpitas has deployed a smart city infrastructure programme in collaboration with ENGIE in California. The programme comprises a range of measures such as advanced water infrastructure upgrades; new LED lighting and smart controls for city street lights, parks and facilities; and installation of microgrids at senior and community centres to provide emergency backup power at these locations.
Another major project undertaken in the region is by a start-up company, MyMatR, in North Carolina. The company is working with Coca Cola Consolidated, a Volvo manufacturing plant and a BMW plant in South Carolina, University of South Carolina, Clemson University and High Point Public Library in North Carolina to combine disposal bins with AI and offer smart self-sorting bin for public spaces. The bin can automatically sort waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories. Meanwhile, relevant organisations can monitor real-time data. The bins also have fullness detection features.
