Smart Infrastructure in light of the new wave of IoT

Perhaps one of the fields which will obtain the great benefits of the incoming new wave of the Internet of things (IoT) is the infrastructure and the construction sector.

Not only during the construction phase but also during the operational phase (preventive maintenance) the IoT will increase the efficiency during the development of the infrastructure's projects.

During the construction phase,the new generation of construction equipment will be able to provide not only reliable information in real time to construction managers, engineers and authorities ,but also will be able to take fast action due to safety concerns when required.

Even so, perhaps the IoT will allow the design and fabrication of the new generation of hybrid construction machines and EMachines and will accelerate the development of fully automated construction machines.

Regarding to the highway infrastructure system, we believe the new generation of EV will evolve together with the new generation of smart highways and chances are the new highways itself will become giant energy generators and giant energy accumulators. (indeed a railroad is a good example of a giant energy accumulator)

Regarding the airfields and airports, the new fast and reliable M2M and M2H communications protocols allowed by the new technology of the IoT will dramatically increase the performance of the aerial operations for cargo and human transportation.

In regard of the utility systems, the IoT will allow the better management of the hybrid resources due to the new generation of fully automated hydropower's plants and aqueducts.

The good news is the new big market of IoT will create a big business opportunity for the new generations , moreover there is a workforce shortage to attend the fast growing market of the IoT.

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Image courtesy of the University of Minnesota / Center for Transportation Studies

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/catalyst/2012/october/smartbridge