Smart City Introduction

We have 12 different block spaces on the Smart City table. Each block represents a simulation of a real city problem and an IoT solution to go with it. The blocks are designed to be modular and can be swapped for different ones as more are developed.

The current lineup of Smart City blocks that we have designed for demonstration and teaching purposes include:  

• Smart farm
• Opera house
• Museum
• Smart lights for townhouses and tall buildings
• Park
• Amusement park
• Smart parking for the hospital
• Bank
• Train station

Each block may include:

1. 3D printed base: The 3D printed base is designed so that you can store your microcomputer or microcontroller (e.g. Raspberry Pi and/or Arduino) under the block.
2. 3D printed building models: You can design any model of your choice or use any existing model online and 3D print using our services. To learn more about 3D printing in the Maker Multiplex, please follow our 3D printing learning path.
3. Sensor and/or actuators: Sensors are devices that can measure one or more properties around them, such as temperature, humidity and light. Actuators can interact with the physical world, for example by emitting light or sound, or moving a motor.
4. Microcontroller and/or microcomputer: A small, low-cost device such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi can be used as the "brains" of the block, enabling connectivity between the sensors and/or actuators and the cloud.

One example block is the City Hall block which has smart lights. These lights can be controlled (turn on and off) through a web browser interface. The process can also be automated by adding a light sensor to measure the light intensity -- if it is low, it can turn the lights on and if it is high, it can turn the lights off.