Pedrera

Barcelona, one of the most “intelligent” cities in Europe and in the world, began its modernization process towards “smart city”, starting from 2010 and currently, with the use of new technologies, aims to become more and more inclusive, productive, self-sufficient, innovative and community-oriented. The smart projects, that make Barcelona a good example for all cities that intend to enhance technological infrastructures, are mainly centered on Internet of Things technology as an indispensable tool for improving people's quality of life. In particular, the technological innovations on which the Catalan metropolis focuses attention and energy are:

• The LED system for street lighting - this technology contributes to significantly reduce the energy impact and guarantees significant cost savings. The LED lighting system, with particular sensors, is able to monitor air quality, pedestrian activity and noise.

• The automatic waste collection - it is a system that uses the pneumatic vacuum. That is, intelligent bins are used that suck up the waste in underground deposits, thus allowing not only to minimize the bad smells that are generated while waiting for their recovery, but also to lower the noise pollution produced by the vehicles for their collection. In addition, the automatic collection system allows monitoring of the level of waste; in fact, thanks to the identification of the places in which they accumulate more quickly, the collection is optimized, thus reducing the resources and the time necessary for this service. The waste incineration is subsequently used for the production of energy destined for heating systems.

• Public bike sharing - Barcelona was one of the first major cities to implement the "bike sharing" system; a program that has contributed to the reduction of traffic especially in the most frequented areas of the city.

• The transport system with the help of hybrid buses - it is system that guarantees the reduction of emissions; it is equipped with smart bus shelters that use solar panels to power the screens that display waiting times.

• The irrigation system - in almost all public parks, a series of sensors, positioned in the ground and in public fountains, constantly monitors the level of irrigation and water used, on the basis of the data collected relating to humidity and rainfall. The goal of the program is to avoid water waste by reducing its consumption.

• Intelligent traffic lights - are traffic lights capable of reading and therefore managing city traffic, limiting congestion problems.

• The recharging points for electric cars in all the districts of the city.

• Smart car parks - these are public car parks equipped with sensors placed under the asphalt, which allow citizens to report the situation of available parking spaces through an app. This system makes it easier for drivers to find a parking space, reduces the use of fuel for the benefit of the environment and makes the occupation of paid parking spaces more efficient, increasing the income for the municipality.

• Free city Wi-Fi coverage - you can access free Wi-Fi in every corner of the city.

• A series of apps that inform citizens about the various aspects of the city.