More Than Just a Bench

Image Credit: Soofa Benches (via governing.com)

City officials in Boston are looking to initiate a pilot project to turn benches into data outposts for recording and sending valuable information to the city. Many cities, including Boulder and Austin, currently use benches and other public furniture equipped with solar panels to power mobile devices. These pieces of furniture could also be used to collect heat data, light and noise pollution, and nearby pedestrian foot traffic.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced the city would be installing its first set of smart benches in the near future, and stated, "Your cell phone doesn't just make phone calls. Why should our benches just be seats?"

You can read the full article on solar powered benches and other smart furniture here: More Than Just a Bench via governing.com.