Why Should Cities Install Smart Benches for Public Spaces

Smart benches offer more than places to rest. Most models offer USB ports which enable users to charge their devices. This feature offers great support to commuters, tourists, and parents who spend extended durations outdoors. Additionally, some smart benches offer free Wi-Fi to pair users to the internet and help them save on data usage. These added features promote the idea of transforming benches to mini ‘public service hubs’ which make urban spaces more convenient and accessible. Traditional benches offer a singular service. In contrast, smart benches enhance the public service offering to the urban populace.

Better User Experience in Public Areas With Smart Bench for Public Space

Smart benches in public spaces offer great added value when used for public rest areas.

Smart benches installed within city limits are designed to be comfortable and friendly to the user. They are equipped with soft touch weather resistant bench cushions that are more comfortable than using a bench made of wood or a metallic surface that are traditionally used. Some smart benches even have adjustable armrests and backrests to cater to the elderly or people with arthritic and other mobility disorders. Even more sophisticated smart benches have environmental sensors that capture and relay real-time data to the user which include temperature and humidity levels. These smart benches help in making educated choices whether to stay outside or put on a mask to shield themselves from bad air quality. A parent in a public park with certain smart benches public space can check data from the bench to assess if it’s ideal for children to be active around. The careful design of these smart benches makes our urban public spaces friendly and comfortable which encourages people to step outside more and participate with the city around them.  

Smart benches installed within city limits also have their benefits for city management and improving public safety.

Most smart benches for public spaces possess motion sensors or surveillance cameras (with privacy protection features) capable of tracking people movements in some public spaces. This information can be used by the city management departments to determine the most frequented public spaces for the efficient utilization of resources such as cleaning or deploying security personnel. Some smart benches for public spaces have one touch emergency buttons for panic situations such as a person feeling unwell or a safety issue. Once activated, the user connects directly to the city emergency response center. For example, an elderly person sitting on a bench and feeling dizzy can call for immediate emergency assistance by pressing the button. This saves time in public space safety and city management streamlining and data center intelligence. These features cannot be provided by normal benches, hence the smart bench for public space is an essential need for contemporary cities.  

Socially Responsible Innovation  

Cities around the globe are working towards balancing economic growth with eco-friendly strategies, and a smart bench for public space is one perfect example.

Most smart bench for public space are equipped with solar panels on their tops. Such benches do not draw from the city’s power grid, thus reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Solar panels charge the bench’s internal battery during the day, allowing it to function at night. Some smart bench for public space even come equipped with trash detection systems, which allow the cleaning team to reduce trash accumulation and the need for unnecessary trash checks. They are constructed with eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic and bamboo, which reduces the carbon footprint. By installing such benches, the city is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and serving as a good role model for its citizens. The same does not go for conventional benches, which do not help conserve energy, oftentimes even made from non-recyclable materials as well as serving no other purpose other than a lackluster seat.  

Smart Bench for Public Space Drives the Modernization of Urban Public Facilities  

Urban centers are trying to reinvent themselves as "smart cities". In this regard, smart bench for public space are necessary for the advancement of public amenities.

Smart benches represent 'smart technology' integration into portable, civil infrastructure public benches. These benches can interface with a city’s smart management system, which enables remote observance and servicing. For instance, a city maintenance system can detect issues with a smart bench’s public charging ports and send alerts for prompt servicing. Moreover, the smart public bench’s compilation of public data such as user frequency and other observational information can be applied for public facility upgrades like bench placements, and the most demanded additional features. Cities with smart technology public benches are modern city and technology hubs, which improves the tourist and the resident’s experience. On the other hand, smart bench installation offers a strategic advantage for urban planners in cities with traditional public benches, which position the city as a smart city. These cities will remain relevant as other cities with traditional public benches begin to integrate smart benches and other smart technologies.