IoT Tech Expo Europe guests listened to a somber presentation titled “Maintaining Connectivity in a Time of War” by Oleg Polovynko, CIO of Kyiv City Council.
Polovynko shared insightful information during his lecture about how the Ukrainian capital has used digital tools to combat Russia’s full-scale invasion of the nation.
Polovynko emphasized the critical function of online tools, particularly the Kyiv Digital app that was introduced in 2021. Two and a half million users have downloaded the app, which has grown to be an essential channel for interacting with citizens.
The CIO emphasized that approximately 2.5 million individuals sought refuge in Kyiv during the first few weeks of the crisis, which was a stunning surge.
Managing this unexpected increase in population and tackling the problems that ensued became a primary priority.
Critical infrastructure was also disrupted by the war, including telecom base stations, however Kyiv was able to maintain some essential connectivity thanks to the usage of technologies like LoRaWAN networks and optical channels:
The importance of IoT initiatives in the city’s response to the crisis was one of the main focuses of Polovynko’s talk. These initiatives covered a range of topics, from air quality monitoring and education to public safety and transportation.
More than 8,000 cameras have been effectively installed by the city for video analytics, improving both security and transportation management. Even the rooftops and basements of government buildings in Kyiv use the technology for access control.
Given the closeness of Europe’s largest nuclear power facility and Russia’s careless shelling and worrying actions in such locations, IoT networks have also proven essential in monitoring radiation levels:
Mobility and transportation issues also affect Kyiv, with traffic control becoming more difficult as the crisis progresses. To ensure better coordination of emergency services, Polovynko emphasized the necessity for creative solutions, particularly for the control of traffic signals.
Schools are being transformed into vital hubs for assistance and support during widespread blackouts, in addition to trying to maintain some kind of normalcy for kids by keeping them in school throughout the larger war. Over 1,010 hours of blackouts have been caused by significant and persistent missile attacks since February of last year:
Air quality and climate control in bomb shelters are two continuously evolving concerns that must be managed. Users of the Kyiv Digital app can report issues with the shelters.
While the measures taken by the Kyiv City Council to assist its residents during a crisis are impressive, Polovynko admits they could go farther.
In order to better infrastructure management and decision-making, Polovynko stressed the necessity for a digital twin solution as he wrapped up his presentation. He emphasized the importance of real-time data collection and analysis for guaranteeing the resilience of the city.
The CIO of Kyiv City Council concluded by expressing the city’s willingness to collaborate and form partnerships, seeking suggestions and ideas to advance their IoT activities.