Incorporating the Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Cities: Applications, Challenges, and Emerging Trends

Abstract

Since smart cities aim at optimizing resource usage and preserving the environment while providing a satisfying quality of life to the residents, smart cities mainly utilize the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is an essential part of environmental data collection since it processes raw environmental data and provides decision-supporting information. In order to optimize urban infrastructure, enhance public services, and raise inhabitants' quality of life while maintaining environmental sustainability, IoT combines sensors, networked devices, and sophisticated data analytics. With an emphasis on important applications including smart waste management, energy, transportation, and health, IoT-driven smart cities are thoroughly examined in this article. Researchers look at how the perceptual, network, and application layers of the IoT help with effective data processing and decision-making. Additionally, this work discusses significant challenges, including data security, system scalability, and device heterogeneity, and highlights future directions like energy-efficient devices, advanced communication protocols, and enhanced privacy frameworks. By addressing these challenges, IoT technology have the potential to create intelligent and sustainable urban ecosystems for coming generations.