The CityIoT project sought solutions to problems caused by incompatible IoT systems. It has been proven difficult to create new applications and combine data from different systems in existing systems. The objective of the project was to define and create a reference implementation of an open and operator-independent data integration platform, complete with API conditions.
The project also involved testing new digital services. In Oulu, the project focused on property maintenance and improving lifecycle management. In Tampere, the project involved pilots related to the infrastructure of streets and outdoor areas. Approximately 160 companies took part in the project.
Results of the CityIoT project
- CityIot built a reference implementation of a non-commercial, open and operator-independent IoT data integration platform. The platform, which utilises FIWARE technology, will continue to be used by Tampere University and the University of Oulu. The work carried out in the project can be utilised by all companies, cities or universities to build similar IoT platforms for their own use. The specification of the platform’s reference architecture compiles the details of the data integration services, functionalities, components and APIs that form the data integration platform for smart cities. The CityIoT reference architecture is based on the International Data Spaces (IDS) reference architecture model.
- The project tested new digital services in a total of 42 pilots, of which 30 were carried out in Tampere and 12 in Oulu. The pilots were carried out utilising the agile piloting method. In addition to this, the project included a few hackathons and an idea sprint.
- The pilots carried out in Tampere concerned the infrastructure of streets and outdoor areas. The pilots involved reviewing the condition of the street network and monitoring the slipperiness of road surfaces in real time, among other things. Compiling data collected from different sources on a shared, open platform improves the reliability and comprehensiveness of the data and supports maintenance planning and decision-making. The compiled and refined data can be used to improve traffic safety and target maintenance efforts at places where they are needed the most. This reduces costs and improves service quality. The CityIoT project combined companies’ solutions and ideas for the development of city services in a new way. New IoT solutions, such as solutions that utilise artificial intelligence and machine learning in the processing of still or video images, have great potential in an urban environment.
- Solutions selected for further development and testing in Tampere:
- Predictive maintenance of stormwater pumping stations (Steamlane Oy).
- Predicting the emptying of sumps (Gofore Oyj), Tampere Regional Solid Waste Management Ltd’s further development project.
- Parking space status data (Wapice Oy).
- Utilisation of a 360-degree camera in establishing a situational picture of a street area (Normivalaistus Oy).
- Remote monitoring of stormwater pipes (Nokeval Oy). The results will be used to determine the requirements for a request for tenders for a remote stormwater monitoring system.
- Temperature monitoring of a street area’s surface and structural layers (Kuntotekniikka Oy).
- Collection of road network condition data (RoadCloud).
- In Oulu, the project involved testing the utilisation of data collected from properties in property maintenance and lifecycle management. The pilot successfully combined data from a property’s automation systems, installed sensors and open data (such as weather data).
- Solutions selected for further development and testing in Oulu:
- Aqva.io, real-time reading of water meters based on computer vision.
- JAS Partners Oy’s 3D character recognition.
- Fresh Air Global Oy’s indoor air quality monitoring.
The objective of the CityIoT (Future Operator Independent Data Integration Platform) project was to define and build a reference implementation of an open and operator-independent data integration platform and define a reference architecture for an open IoT platform. In addition to this, the objective was to build an IoT piloting environment for cities that companies could use to test and develop IoT technology and products and that would facilitate the compiling and comprehensive utilisation of IoT data from different sources for the creation of new services and business models. Furthermore, the project aimed at developing the digitalisation preparedness and speed of the Six City Strategy (6Aika) cities and the implementation of international digitalisation strategies in Finland. The project was coordinated by the University of Oulu, with the other project partners being the City of Oulu, the City of Tampere, Oulu University of Applied Sciences and Tampere University. CityIoT ran from 1 September 2017 to 30 May 2020 and had a budget of EUR 2.4 million.
Further information:
Pirjo Rousu
Project Manager
University of Oulu
pirjo.rousu(at)oulu.fi
Jani Nousiainen
City of Oulu
jani.nousiainen(at)ouka.fi
Jussi Kangasoja
Oulu University of Applied Sciences
jussi.kangasoja(at)oamk.fi
Mika Heikkilä
City of Tampere
mika.heikkila(at)tampere.fi
Kari Systä
Tampere University
kari.systa(at)tuni.fi