Cisco and Kansas City partnering on smart city network

Cisco Systems, the leading American networking equipment specialist has partnered with Kansas City, Missouri, to launch a smart city network that will pilot groundbreaking sustainable solutions.

Kansas Mayor Sly James made the announcement on Wednesday and the partnership will develop a mobile platform in the city’s downtown corridor that will enable the it to launch a number of pilot projects including sensor-based infrastructure monitoring, smart street lighting and high-definition security video.

The project is part of Cisco's Smart+Connected Cities initiative, which is enhancing connectivity and sustainability within municipal borders, and giving residents the opportunity to be more engaged in the city’s development using digital kiosks and mobile phone apps.

Mayor James said: "It's a win-win for all. It furthers our efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors."

The two projects that are being undertaken as part of the partnership include integrating sensor data to improve service for Kansas City's brand-new two-mile streetcar route, and using partnerships with entrepreneurs to test new solutions to address the problem of pressurised water main breaks.

Entrepreneurs are being encouraged by the two parties to approach the project as an incubator to trial new products targeted towards smart cities.

Think Big Partners, a Kansas City company that houses startup businesses, will be working with the Cisco and the city to bring in a range of experts to assist them in achieving their goals.

The city of Hamburg in Germany worked with Cisco as part of the Smart+Connected Cities programme on a system that linked traffic data to street lighting as a way to improve vehicle flow.

San Antonio in Texas also worked with Cisco as part of the initiative and installed video kiosks for residents to resolve issues including parking tickets and traffic violations. The system is also used by the police to connect with judges to obtain warrants.

San Mateo in San Francisco, California is collaborating with Cisco and smart parking startup Streetline on a project using cameras in place of sensors to detect the presence of a car on the street or in a garage.