New York City has launched a Smart City Testbed programme to accelerate development and adoption of smart city technologies by the city. Eight pilots using advanced technology will be selected each year. The City will then select the most successful to scale up for adoption.

The initial round of pilot projects using drones to identify building flaws driving greenhouse gas emissions and air quality improvement devices to reduce particulate matter and mitigate local air pollution.

The programme is managed by New York City’s Office of Technology and Investment (OTI).

The Testbed programme will accept applications on a rolling basis for pilots that will primarily operate in the city’s public spaces. Two pilots will be selected each quarter to participate in the programme, which provides access to New York City assets, technical support, partnership, and administrative guidance through the procurement, legal, and/or other regulatory processes. Through the programme, each participating pilot will receive feedback from city agency and New Yorkers about the practical benefit of their technology on government and residents. Selected organisations will self-fund the costs of their pilots, which will run for six to nine months.     

As part of this autumn’s Testbed programme, OTI is partnering with the NYC Department of Citywide Administration Services (DCAS) and researchers from New York University (NYU) to pilot a technology project to scan buildings using drones and robotics coupled with an amalgamation of technologies to detect failures in building envelopes (exterior walls and roof) that can contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions. This project will combine deep learning and computer vision with thermal imaging, through-wall radar, UAV/drone technology, and robot localisation and mapping to identify structural defects. Building managers can then retrofit their building to increase energy efficiency and help move New York City closer toward meetings its climate goals.

The Testbed’s initial slate of pilots will also feature a collaboration between OTI, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and private partners that focuses on air quality improvement and monitoring. As part of the pilot, the air quality improvement devices and monitors will be deployed in areas of need to measure the real-time air quality, and efficacy of the air quality improvement devices.

OTI is also supporting the Department of Transportation on a “computer vision” pilot to improve street safety by better measuring transportation uses on New York City streets. The pilot collects data from street activity sensors at 12 locations across the city and generates detailed reports that allow planners to better understand the uses of city streets – and inform future street redesigns. While this project pre-dates the new Testbed Program, OTI is continuing to plan public engagement and evaluations in support of its development.

“New York City is where tech innovators from across the globe come to turn their big idea into the next big thing,” said NYC Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser. “The NYC Smart City Testbed Program presents an exciting, win-win opportunity for companies and city agencies to collaborate on cutting-edge pilots that leverage smart city technologies to create a better and more equitable future for all New Yorkers. We look forward to the innovative partnerships and solutions this programme will inspire in the months and years ahead.” 

“Climate change is the biggest threat we are facing, and we are pleased to partner with NYC Office of Technology and Innovation to explore how we can continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in City buildings and protect our environment for the future of our city,” said NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “Innovative programmes like the NYC Smart City Testbed Program will allow the City to form new partnerships and develop practical solutions to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers.” 

“With the launch of the NYC Smart City Testbed, New York City has a new tool to keep up with major advances in urban technology,” said Paul Rothman, director, Smart Cities and IoT at OTI. “The Testbed will enable industry and academia to more easily get their products, services, or research ideas in front of the City’s relevant stakeholders to demonstrate their capabilities and understand how to adapt them to New York City. By piloting emerging technologies, the City can make more informed decisions about which technologies are best equipped to address our challenges as well how to implement them with New Yorkers in mind.”  

“The Testbed Program is a game-changer, offering a dynamic platform for innovators to shape the future of our city,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “With the chance to pioneer groundbreaking projects like using drones to combat greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative empowers collaboration between industry leaders and city agencies, promising a more equitable and sustainable tomorrow for all New Yorkers.”