Six Scottish local authorities alongside several companies and an education institution are set to participate in an internet of things (IoT) trial which has the potential to transform the experience of people who live within communities across the country.
UK-based IoT service provider, North, will supply ‘IoT accelerator packs’ for the trial to access real-time data insights on waste management, air quality, social housing solutions, building health, and water monitoring capabilities.
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With access to the Scottish Government-backed national internet of things network, IoT Scotland, the organisations involved can investigate and evaluate the power of IoT technology.
Scotrail, Blackwood Homes and Care, and Borders College are taking part in the trial alongside the following:
- Aberdeen City Council
- Angus Council
- East Renfrewshire Council
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Fife Council
- Highland Council
Working closely with each organisation, North determined the services which would most benefit from smart solutions.
For instance, Fife Council has selected the technology to monitor waste management, Aberdeen City Council to monitor water, Borders College to monitor levels of CO2, and Scotrail to monitor air quality within train stations, council buildings, or across a busy town centre.
At the end of the trial period, the North team will then evaluate the results and capture feedback.
Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, said: “These innovative accelerator packs have been designed to help organisations explore IoT solutions which can deliver sustainable social and economic benefits for local communities.
“Digital technologies like IoT help drive forward our economic recovery while reducing business costs and enabling progress towards net-zero emissions.”
Alasdair Rettie, group technical director at North, said: “IoT technology has the power to truly transform our lives, from revolutionising the ways in which we work, to ensuring that we live in safe and healthy environments, whilst providing us with the ability to access data which allows us to make informed decisions to improve services across communities.
“We are elated to assist these 10 organisations across Scotland, as they pave the way to use IoT technology to its fullest potential, enhancing their operations and existing systems.
“From connecting large scale cities to remote communities, the opportunities brought about by the implementation of IoT within our digital connectivity infrastructure are endless, particularly as we work towards Scotland’s social and economic recovery.”
Image credit: North
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