Sensors in the embankments
The embankments of RER line B are now bristling with connected sensors. The technologies of big data and the Internet of Things allow predictive maintenance to be carried out, by identifying water seepage into the land, malfunctions using noise probes, and faults on the tracks using computer vision (image analysis). RATP is also installing smart sensors on its rolling stock to monitor its condition in real time, thus avoiding immobilization of trains, metros and trams and optimizing maintenance inspections.
Nearly one in three motorists driving in cities is in search of a parking space. Smart parking makes it possible to better manage this resource, which has become scarce. Los Angeles, for example, has invested in sensors that inform users of vacant spaces in real time. The result is a 10% increase in use for the least-occupied parking spaces and a 5% decrease in occupancy for the most popular ones. The French start-up Zenpark, in which RATP Capital Innovation has a stake, enters into agreements with owners of parking lots in order to pool some of their little-used spaces and open them for reservation via its app.
45% of Singaporeans use the bus network and only 20% own a car. But how does Singapore do it? The city-state manages to influence urban mobility by directing usage. It “discourages” the use of the private car and promotes alternatives: ride-sharing services, buses or driverless cars. Its strengths: a limited area (only 700 km2), control of urban development, and an open data collection policy that allows it to manage and promote smart mobility in particular.
Co-developed by an RATP Group intrapreneur and a start-up, the AMY app prevents collisions between trams and pedestrians who are too absorbed by their smartphones, these “smombies” who lose all contact with their immediate environment. A box installed on the tram emits a specific ultrasound frequency. This is immediately picked up by AMY and triggers an audible and visual alert on the smartphone, to make the user react to the imminent danger.
Traffic signals, lighting, security cameras, roads, access points to the city center, and more. Dijon is one of the first French cities to have a connected control room to remotely manage and maintain all its urban infrastructure. The city expects 65% energy savings, notably through switching to LEDs for street lighting, and a 50% saving in maintenance costs, with renovation of the equipment.
