Cities accommodate nearly 31% of India's current population and contribute 63% of GDP (Census 2011). Urban areas are expected to house 40% of India's population and contribute 75% of India's GDP by 2030. This requires comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social, and economic infrastructure. All are important in improving the quality of life and attracting people and investment, setting in motion a virtuous cycle of growth and development. This has resulted in a growing interest in Interactive Kiosks as more urban centres join the Smart City movement. On city plazas, in government buildings, at bus stops, and along sidewalks, Smart Kiosks are popping up everywhere to provide citizens with access to information they need.
Why Smart Kiosks?
Smart Kiosks are interactive terminals with screens that can be installed in public spaces to provide users with a wealth of information and services. These Kiosks seek to solve urban challenges through data and technology. Smart City initiatives look to collects data on city services, assets, and resources using sensors and Internet of Things devices, and uses analytics to transform that data into insight and intelligence. The benefits of Smart City technology include improving the efficiency of city services and the quality of life for residents. A Smart Kiosk can perform a wide range of functions, including:
- Wayfinding – helping users to navigate city streets and find destinations.
- Transportation – providing schedules and real-time status of buses, subways, trains and other forms of public transportation.
- Listings – offering information about nearby businesses and restaurants (including reviews).
- Events – providing details about entertainment and community events open to the public.
- Payment – enabling drivers to pay for parking or citizens to pay city bills.
- Information – dispensing details about news, weather and other public interest information.
- Emergency services – allowing users to contact emergency services, including live assistance when needed.
- Alerts – providing the public with severe weather warnings, Amber alerts and street closure information.
- WiFi – serving as a free WiFi hotspot.
- Charging stations – providing access to power for charging mobile devices.
Conclusion
A Smart Kiosk provides citizens and tourists with access to information at the precise time and location where they require it, enabling them to interact more easily with city services and opportunities. It allows cities to better serve their citizens and visitors, connecting users with valuable information and communications, improving access to resources, and enhancing the image of the municipality.