To mark the UN's World Cities Day, ABB Electrification has today launched a virtual smart city for viewers to explore from their desktops.

The interactive landscape, available now via abbsmartcities.com, highlights the many safe, smart and sustainable solutions predicted to play an integral part in defining the smart cities of the future.

Included in the tool are:

• ABB case studies from Europe, Asia and the Americas.
• A visual introduction to the benefits of smart buildings.
• A walkthrough of data management applications and how they facilitate the needs of smart cities.
• Details on the technology and services set to support e-mobility solutions.
• An overview of energy management technologies that will play a part in decarbonising cities.

"Half the world’s population now live in towns and cities, which are at the forefront of several global challenges, such as energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions. ABB Electrification’s products and solutions are enabling industries, public services and communities across the world to tackle these challenges," says Amina Hamidi, ABB Electrification's chief technology officer.

"Our online tool breaks down the collective technical elements of smart buildings, e-mobility, energy management and data centres, all of which can contribute to the design of a comprehensive smart city."

The virtual smart city is set to expand over time as more innovations and solutions are introduced.

Smart development is set to underpin the building and construction industries as new technologies arise to address urgent and complex issues such as climate change, increasing urbanisation and waste management. This will be crucial to the creation of resilient communities capable of adapting to the radical change predicted to take place in the coming years.

This technology also represents an opportunity for organisations that recognise its potential and the demand that will grow as it becomes more ubiquitous. With building rates continuing to drop, the ability to lead smart development is sure to prove critical for companies wanting to survive the downturn.

Image: ABB Electrification.