Atlanta smart cities initiative to offer autonomous grocery store, wayfinding kiosks, EV charging stations
Atlanta BeltLine Inc. is kicking off its digital inclusion strategy and announcing the partners for the organization's first smart cities demonstration project which will include autonomous grocery stores, wayfinding kiosks and EV charging stations, in partnership with Atlanta-based Fortune 500 and local disadvantaged business enterprise companies, according to a press release.
Two interactive pop-up sites along the Atlanta BeltLine will provide Atlantans with tech-driven experiences to help bridge the digital divide by providing free public Wi-Fi, an autonomous grocery store, information on BeltLine activities, smart trash cans, maps and more in the coming months. It's part of a pilot project with Fortune 500 and local businesses to address urban issues such as access to food, technology and wellness.
Leading the strategy effort is Honeywell, a global leader in the smart cities space, and N-Ovate Business Solutions, a metro Atlanta-based innovation firm focused on creating strategy around digital transformation, data modernization and cybersecurity.
Atlanta BeltLine and eX² Technology will transform two areas along the BeltLine into smart city pop-ups, showcasing pilot technologies.
Sites on the Southside and Eastside Trails will feature high-speed internet powered by ABI's fiber network. Moreover, each of the pilot areas will house a Nourish + Bloom Market, a Black-owned autonomous grocery store; a Rove IQ interactive wayfinding kiosk; a Big Belly smart waste bin; and, adjacent to the corridor, a Blink EV charging station, among others.
