Rotterdam’s planners and Philips CityTouch connected street lighting system are helping to solve urban lighting challenges without draining the city budget. The connected street lighting system enables the city authorities to use the public lighting in Rotterdam efficiently and effectively at night, providing less light where possible and extra light where necessary.
The challenge that we all face
Most of us take for granted that our city lights will illuminate the streets – but good-quality city lighting can also create a feeling of safety, allowing citizens to enjoy life and make the most of everything a city has to offer. Cities need to remain attractive and safe places for residents and visitors, to develop as centers of economic growth. But this must be balanced by the harsh reality of budget constraints and the requirement to lower our carbon footprint by using fewer resources.
The challenge was to make a city that’s livable. Philips has helped us tremendously with this. CityTouch can control lights at a distance. We look at what the citizens want. They need to feel comfortable and safe in the city."
Sander van Beurden
Head of Urban Management, City of Rotterdam
Innovators at Philips developed the unique CityTouch System which offers web applications to manage a network of LED street lights and analyze lighting data. For example, in areas of Rotterdam where there is a high level of activity, more lights can be switched on. In quieter parts of town that may not need lights to be switched on full, the municipal authority is able to dim illumination in individual streets.
The innovative software management system developed by Philips uses wireless technology to control every light fixture individually. So, at the touch of a button, lights can be turned up or down – or off. More light can be poured into areas that need it within seconds, in the event of a crowd problem or a traffic accident, for instance. The smart lighting system can also instantly identify where lights are faulty and need to be replaced.
