IoT for smarter infrastructure: Transforming airports, cities and communities

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising many sectors, but airports, local authorities and urban areas are particularly prominent examples. These complex infrastructures have to manage large amounts of data and flows in real time, and IoT is enabling them to optimise their operations while improving the quality of decisions and services offered to users.

Airport example: optimising operations and the passenger experience

In an airport, fluidity and efficiency are key issues. IoT makes it possible to monitor passenger flows, baggage and even maintenance equipment in real time.

• Baggage tracking: Thanks to IoT sensors placed on luggage, passengers and staff can track the whereabouts of suitcases, reducing the risk of loss and improving passenger satisfaction.
• Runway and vehicle management: Vehicles used for runway maintenance or passenger transport can be fitted with sensors, enabling managers to optimise their use, prevent breakdowns and ensure safety.
• Energy management and infrastructure monitoring: Sensors can be used to monitor the energy consumption of buildings, adjusting lighting and air conditioning to actual demand, while monitoring the condition of infrastructure to anticipate maintenance needs.

Resource management and smart cities

For local and regional authorities, IoT is an invaluable tool for creating smart cities, where the management of resources and services is optimised in real time.

• Intelligent parking management: IoT sensors can be installed in car parks to inform drivers in real time of available spaces, reducing congestion and CO2 emissions caused by searching for a space.
• Air quality monitoring: IoT sensors installed in cities can be used to monitor air quality and make decisions about traffic or restrictions when pollution levels are high. This helps protect the health of citizens.
• Waste management: thanks to IoT, bins can be fitted with sensors to indicate when they are full, optimising collection rounds and reducing costs.

Traffic and infrastructure management

Urban areas face constant challenges in managing traffic, infrastructure and public services.

• Optimising public transport: IoT enables the collection of real-time data on the use of public transport (buses, trams, etc.). This information is used to adjust timetables, improve connections and provide live information to users.
• Infrastructure management: Bridges, tunnels and roads can be fitted with sensors to monitor their structural condition in real time, detect anomalies and prevent the risk of accidents in the event of failure.
• Intelligent lighting: In large cities, street lighting can be optimised using sensors that adjust intensity according to the presence of pedestrians or vehicles, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Improving the quality of decision making

One of the main strengths of the IoT is its ability to provide real-time data, enabling airport, community and conurbation managers to make better and faster decisions.

• Prediction and prevention: Thanks to continuous data collection, managers can predict events such as equipment failures or peaks in demand. This enables them to anticipate problems and avoid service interruptions.
• Resource optimisation: By understanding how resources (energy, water, transport) are used, managers can adapt infrastructure accordingly, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
• Personalised services: IoT also makes it possible to personalise services based on observed behaviour, whether for an airport passenger, a public transport user or a citizen. This improves the user experience and encourages more proactive management.

IoT is emerging as a key lever for improving the management of the complex infrastructures of airports, local authorities and metropolitan areas. By providing accurate, real-time data, it helps to optimise resources, improve safety and deliver more efficient services. The benefits include better decision-making, smoother service and reduced costs, while enabling decision-makers to be proactive in the face of tomorrow's challenges.

Thanks to IoT, infrastructures are evolving towards greater intelligence and optimised management at the service of citizens and users.