As you walk through any modern city, you’ll notice that even the smallest things are getting smarter. From lamp posts that dim based on the time of day, to street tiles that that use human footfall to power street lighting, urban public spaces are evolving fast.

SmartBeam is a groundbreaking solution that effortlessly upgrades regular benches into smart, sustainable and connected seating. We dive into what makes connected street furniture so exciting, where smart benches can go, who they benefit, and why they’re a great move for public spaces.

What is a smart bench?

At first glance, a smart bench might look like a regular bench you’d find in a park or along a city walkway. But neatly tucked within the structure is a SmartBeam slat, a connected piece of technology that transforms this everyday object into something much more useful.

This weather-resistant slat generates 100% clean solar energy, stored in a battery, allowing you to power portable devices and LED light day and night, even on cloudy days or in off-grid locations.

Standard features of the SmartBeam slat include wireless charging, LED lights, connectivity with data plans, GPS locating, coolers and a user counter, all of which help to turn a simple resting spot into a hub of information and utility.

There are also optional add-ons that a SmartBeam slat can be upgraded with including, USB charging, air quality sensors, and an additional battery.

Where can a smart bench go?

The beauty of connected street furniture is that it fits just about anywhere people spend time outdoors. Think parks, shopping areas, streets, transit places, schools, campuses and even business parks. These are all places where people naturally pause, maybe waiting for a bus, taking a break from work or enjoying a sunny afternoon.

In these settings, a smart bench does more than just offer people a place to sit, it brings a new level of functionality to outdoor spaces that wasn’t available before.

Who could find a smart bench useful?

The benefits of smart benches are that their benefits ripple across many different types of users. For the everyday person, it might be something as simple as having a clean, well-lit place to sit with a bonus of phone charging. For parents, it might be a visible picnic seating spot while their kids play nearby. For students and professionals, it could be great way to check emails and meet up with others outside.

City planners and local councils get something different out of a smart bench. Knowing which areas see the most use, what times of day were the busiest, or even better understanding how people interact with the public space can help them make better decisions.

Businesses too can benefit having connected seating outside cafes or shops, making their outdoor area more attractive and inviting for customers.

Benefits of connected street furniture
It’s sometimes easy to overlook how small touches can make a big impact. A seat or bench with a SmartBeam brings benefits beyond simple convenience. First, it encourages people to spend more time in public spaces, whether it’s working remotely for an hour or just people watching, it’s good for communities when shared environments are used and enjoyed.

There is also a sustainability angle to the benefits of a smart bench. A SmartBeam slat reduces CO₂ emissions with every recharge by using integrated solar panels to generate clean, renewable energy, replacing electricity that would otherwise come from fossil fuel-based power grids. This solar energy powers the slat’s motors, sensors, and controls.

For example, if one SmartBeam slat saves 5 kWh of energy per month via solar generation1, and the grid emits ~0.2 kg CO₂ per kWh, each slat would reduce CO₂ emissions by about 1 kg per month, or 12 kg of CO₂ per year.

Bringing smart street furniture to your city

We often talk about smart cities, but sometimes the smartest ideas are the simplest. Adding technology like the SmartBeam slat to one of Broxap's durable benches and seats shows how we can use innovation to improve everyday experiences.

By investing in connected street furniture, cities and communities signal that they care about comfort, creativity and sustainability.

So, next time you take a seat in the city, take a look around – you might just be resting on something a little smarter than it seems.

Intrested in adding smart seating to your space? Click here to find out more or contact the teams on 01782 564411.