Smart Cities and driverless cars

[TEXTILE GUY]

So ....

I am keen to approach the SA Government, local industry, multi national companies and of course some of you clever people as well as tertiary learning organisations .... to ask ....

is it possible or feasible ... to put together in SA, a project or POC to make a smart, safe, energy efficient city.

There is some work being done on this in Korea and the EU, as well as in the USA .. but its quite fragmented.

In essence, source open innovation solutions where possible, invent where challenges may exist to fill the gaps, bring to together various technologies to fill the concept that we have in mind, and then to potentially export the concept.

Monumental task I am sure, but hey .... everything starts with a dream, a plan and if you dont ask, you dont get .....

Some thoughts .... using sensors to collect data, connecting machines and devices wirelessly, using pvdf wafers to generate power, solar maybe, smart lighting using proximity sensors, RFID to monitor vehicles or parcels ... the ideas are literally endless.


What thoughts?

 

[Jehosefat]

I think the most important question here is: Who is going to fund it? Government has no money and private sector isn't going to pour money into something unless they believe that they will get a return on their investment.

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

I think the most important question here is: Who is going to fund it? Government has no money and private sector isn't going to pour money into something unless they believe that they will get a return on their investment.

Indeed an important consideration ..... noted, and thanks.

 

[Pope33]

I think the biggest obstacle will be how to incorporate the current infrastructure. If it is profitable there will be funds however the infrastructure cost will be stupendous. I think a way to go firstly is electrical cars in the way that Tesla is doing in the US. If you are interested in solar capabilities you can contact the NWU. They have a few interesting projects that is in the field of what you are talking about.

Great idea and someone must start but it is going to be a huge challenge especially in SA.

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

I think the biggest obstacle will be how to incorporate the current infrastructure. If it is profitable there will be funds however the infrastructure cost will be stupendous. I think a way to go firstly is electrical cars in the way that Tesla is doing in the US. If you are interested in solar capabilities you can contact the NWU. They have a few interesting projects that is in the field of what you are talking about.

Great idea and someone must start but it is going to be a huge challenge especially in SA.

Thanks for the advice - PM sent.

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

I think the biggest obstacle will be how to incorporate the current infrastructure. If it is profitable there will be funds however the infrastructure cost will be stupendous. I think a way to go firstly is electrical cars in the way that Tesla is doing in the US. If you are interested in solar capabilities you can contact the NWU. They have a few interesting projects that is in the field of what you are talking about.

Great idea and someone must start but it is going to be a huge challenge especially in SA.

Thanks for the advice - PM sent.

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

So, the Dept of Science and Technology have responded - albeit only pointing me in the right direction ...