Smart city hubs engage Eindhoven citizens

Eindhoven in the South of the Netherlands, is to roll out 25 interactive kiosks to help residents, visitors, business and local government engage with the city.

It will be the first deployment of Citybeacon’s smart city platforms in collaboration with Zytronic Displays, a provider of durable projected capacitive technology touch sensors, and OCP Solutions, a developer of public outdoor communication products.

“Citybeacon was designed to connect the physical and digital worlds; as connectivity and interaction feature in our everyday lives, and the way in which people engage with each other and information, we decided to unify this into one solution,” said Arthur van de Poll, founder and CEO of Citybeacon.

“By applying multiple technologies to street furniture, we can create a smarter, safer and healthier environment for everyone. We are especially excited that our first deployment is in such an iconic technology city.”

The Citybeacon features a 32 inch Zyfilm-based touch display, enabling easy access to local information and directions.

Zyfilm from Zytronic is a flexible, polyester touch film incorporating patented multitouch technology, and is designed to be laminated to the rear surface of a rigid transparent substrate. Once applied, the film can detect up to 40 simultaneous touch points through an overlay of 10mm thick or more, the company claims.

The system also incorporates NFC-, RFID-, and Bluetooth-based payment and mobile hand-off technologies, so users can take advantage of local services such as parking and carry information to and from the kiosk.

Two double-sided integrated large advertising screens at the top of the unit also share information such as public service announcements and local business promotions. Air quality, UV and audience sensors provide advanced analytic data, while energy-saving smart lighting adjusts to current conditions, and cameras allow public spaces to be monitored.

Microphone and camera enabled full VoIP communication connects with emergency services, and free gigabit wi-fi and small cell 4G and 5G ready antennas improve coverage and connection for the sharing of information. Users can also download a free Citybeacon mobile app.

“Blending state-of-the-art connectivity with intuitive touch screens enables visitors and residents to access relevant information about the city and local businesses, and experience their surroundings,” added Marius van Lith, CEO of OCP Solutions.

“We’re enabling cities to become smarter by combining a range of technologies that are scalable for the future in one unit.”

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