Smart Poles: The Key Enablers of Autonomous Vehicle Infrastructure

Smart poles, also known as intelligent poles or smart streetlights, are playing an important part in determining urban mobility's future. These modern infrastructure poles combine numerous technologies, such as data and communication capabilities, to improve urban services and facilitate the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Currently, the global smart poles market is increasingly rising owing to growing applications of smart poles in various areas. One area where smart poles are particularly useful is in supporting autonomous vehicle (AV) infrastructure.

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are changing the way people and commodities move through cities, and their broad adoption is projected to deliver major benefits such as better safety, reduced congestion, and improved environmental sustainability. However, to fully realize these advantages, AVs must have robust and dependable communication and data sharing capabilities. This is where smart poles come in.

The Role of Smart Poles in AV Infrastructure

Smart poles can help AV infrastructure in a variety of ways. For starters, they can act as communication hubs, providing AVs with high-speed data connectivity. This enables autonomous vehicles to communicate data with other vehicles, roadside infrastructure, and the cloud, allowing them to make informed judgments and drive safely in complex urban situations.

Furthermore, smart poles can provide AVs with power and charging infrastructure. As more self-driving cars hit the road, there will be a greater need for charging infrastructure. To assist sustainable urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions, smart poles can be outfitted with EV charging stations.

Moreover, smart poles can be equipped with sensors and cameras that offer real-time information on traffic situations, pedestrian movements, and weather trends. This information can be utilized to improve AV routing, traffic control, and overall urban planning.

One recent example of smart poles supporting AV infrastructure is the deployment of 5G-enabled smart poles in the Chinese city of Shenzhen in March 2022. These smart poles are outfitted with 5G communication technology and high-resolution cameras, allowing them to broadcast data in real-time to help with autonomous driving and traffic control. The smart poles are a part of a wider smart city infrastructure network being built in Shenzhen to enable the proliferation of AVs and other connected devices.

The Smart Poles Market is Booming

The smart poles market has been growing rapidly in recent years, with the global market size reaching $7,063.4 million in 2021. The market is expected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9%, generating revenue of $35,921 million by 2031. The expansion of smart cities, as well as the increasing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable urban infrastructure, are the primary drivers of the smart poles market. Because of the increase in connected devices, governments and municipal corporations have prioritized the need for a robust and reliable network infrastructure. Cities can monitor, regulate, and optimize their lighting and communication networks using smart poles outfitted with sensors, cameras, and communication devices. Integration of smart poles with other smart city infrastructure, such as smart grids, smart buildings, and smart transportation systems, is predicted to drive smart pole demand even higher. The implementation of 5G technology has allowed smart poles to perform a broader range of functions, resulting in more significant growth potential for key companies in the smart pole market.

In 2021, the North American smart pole market held the largest market share, and it is predicted to undergo substantial growth in the forthcoming years. The growth of the regional market is influenced by factors such as the escalating urbanization, surging demand for smart city solutions, and mounting investments in smart grid technologies and renewable energy.

The Future of AV infrastructure with Smart Poles

Smart poles serve as key accelerators of AV infrastructure, providing data and communication capabilities necessary for the safe and efficient functioning of AVs in complicated urban contexts. As AV usage grows, so will the demand for smart poles; thus, fueling innovations and growth in the smart pole industry. In a nutshell, smart poles, with their capacity to incorporate a wide range of technology, are positioned to play a crucial role in determining the future of urban mobility.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.