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With the development and production of a new ‘smart pole’, VDL Groep is the initiator of a new international ecosystem. This collaboration responds socially responsible and intelligently to the growing demand for charging and measurement infrastructure and sustainability in public spaces. VDL’s ‘smart pole’ consists of multiple types and can be assembled with various connectivity options for different brands and solutions. This provides maximum flexibility for customers.
The idea for this open system arose when it became clear that the future street scene would be 'cluttered' by an array of different light and communication masts. The energy transition was still in its infancy at the time, but it was evident that the demand for one mast that can also equip public spaces with a range of functionalities would increase. These can include LED lighting, charging options for vehicles, communication (WiFi and data collection), sensors that measure, for example, air quality, noise, and/or traffic movements, and signage.
From the VDL philosophy of power through collaboration, the masts were designed with the principle that different suppliers can provide the various functionalities. An additional benefit is that new innovations and connectivity options can also be added to the mast later on. In this way, the masts can ‘grow’ along with the ‘smart public environment’ of tomorrow. As the Netherlands’ largest mast manufacturer, VDL Groep will produce the smart mast. “With this ecosystem, we make an important contribution to creating an optimal livable urban environment where sustainability and social responsibility are the main principles,” says director Eric Janssen of VDL Mast Solutions in Oss.
“This ‘open smart pole ecosystem’ assists in establishing connections with an optimal choice of services/brands and forms of collaboration,” says Petra Claessen, CEO of BTG (Trade Association for Large Telecom Users). “It is precisely this independent, yet important role in facilitating facilities that provides the city with a future-proof and sustainable infrastructure.”
"To make our cities more Liveable, Sustainable and Beautiful, new technology is being introduced into our public space," says program director Leonie van den Beuken of Amsterdam Smart City. "These technologies must also be attractive, fitting in with the street scene and only installed where they genuinely add value. Therefore, they should be multifunctional and sustainable to use. So that government and various market parties can develop and use them together, rather than each doing so separately. These masts are precisely that: attractive, multifunctional and inviting for collaboration."
For each specific situation in public space, a particular configuration may be required. To meet that need, four variations have been designed. These range from a standard light pole with limited connection options to a pole with a height of 25 meters offering full connection capabilities. This includes applications such as the 5G network or a ‘drone-nest’ where a drone monitors the condition of, for example, a bridge or the railway tracks.
In order to accelerate climate objectives among other things, multidisciplinary collaboration is desired, providing space for today's and tomorrow's technical applications. This approach is supported by all partners (including ABB, ACiiST, Microsoft, Signify, and Spie) with specializations in solutions such as charging, connectivity, measurement, lighting, and digital aspects of the system. Together, this way of working creates the solution for the challenge faced by governments, as owners of public space.
Communications Director and spokesperson for VDL Groep
E: m.timmers@vdl.nl
Tel: +31 6 14767066
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