Smart Cities Powered by IoT: Addressing the Technological and Societal Challenges

Abstract

The implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed urban landscapes, creating the foundation for the development of smart cities. This paper provides a detailed analysis of how IoT technology is shaping smart cities by connecting devices, sensors, and systems to collect and analyze data that enhances city operations and improves quality of life. It covers the wide-ranging applications of IoT in areas like transportation, energy efficiency, public safety, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Real-time data analytics through IoT enables cities to optimize traffic flow, reduce energy use, improve security, and handle emergencies more effectively. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges IoT faces in smart city implementation, such as issues surrounding privacy, security, scalability, and interoperability, Emphasizing the necessity for robust cyber security protocols and effective data governance to protect and ensure the reliability of IoT systems.