The rise of super smart streetlights

Global investments in ‘smart pole’ and ‘smart corridor’ technologies will grow from US$10.8 billion in 2022 to more than US$132 billion in 2030, according to technology intelligence firm ABI Research.

Smart streetlighting controllers offer features such as remote dimming and scheduling to reduce energy use and maintenance costs. Smart poles take this further, acting as multi-functional aggregation points on top of smart streetlights and connected utility poles for 5G small cells, Wi-Fi hotspots, security and traffic cameras, environmental sensors, and more.

Some now offer charging points for two and four-wheel vehicles, drones and handsets.

ABI Research expects that more than 10.8 m...