PEGASIS

Platform for Edge computing in Geoinformation And Spatial data using IoT Sensors:

Geoinformation platform for distributed processing of spatial data
Accordance with the principles of Edge Computing
The use of Internet of Things sensors - as a factor determining universal design in smart cities

Fig. 1 Diagram presenting the assumptions of the Platform for Edge computing in Geoinformation And Spatial data using IoT Sensors as a determinant of universal design in smart cities

The project is based on IoT sensor networks and spatial data mining methods which support the design process in the revitalisation of the WUT campus in the spirit of universal design. Our main goal as researchers was to develop a new systematic approach for using IoT and edge computing. This helps us to extract spatial knowledge from spatial big data and to develop an open (geo)information society. We believe this will increase awareness amongst people in sharing responsibility for the process of shaping the space of smart cities. The development of the method, as well as the collection, analysis and synthesis of data, was carried out within a multidisciplinary team combining specialists from architecture, computer science, electronics and telecommunications, geoengineering, sociology and social sciences. The operational goal of the project is to support further decisions during the ongoing redesign process of the WUT campus area.

Implementation stages

PEGASIS publications:

Acceptance of IoT Edge-Computing-Based Sensors in Smart Cities for Universal Design PurposesAround 20% of the population is disabled. Many people have mobility problems, including the elderly and people with young children. It is crucial to adapt cities to the needs of these people and, at the same time, to the needs of all residents. This is the subject of universal design, which should consider inhabitants’ needs and habits. This information can be collected by Internet of Things (IoT) devices that observe and listen to residents. Residents do not accept constant surveillance, so the public may not accept data collection by IoT sensors. This study aimed to identify and evaluate factors influencing the acceptance of data collection by IoT devices for universal design. For this purpose, an online survey was prepared by the Warsaw University of Technology. The following statistical methods were used to analyze the data: descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis and structural equation modeling. This paper identifies key factors influencing the acceptance of IoT devices for universal design. The statistically significant factors are the perceived usefulness of data collection, trust in city authorities, the perceived security of data collected by IoT devices and empathy for people with disabilities. The original achievement of this study is its indication that empathy for the disabled moderates and increases the positive relationship between the perceived usefulness of IoT devices and their acceptance. It was also found that trust in city authorities mediates the relationship between the perceived usability and acceptance of IoT devices. City authorities can use the results of this analysis in the implementation of IoT devices in smart cities.

R. Walczak, K. Koszewski, R. Olszewski, K. Ejsmont, and A. Kálmán, ‘Acceptance of IoT Edge-Computing-Based Sensors in Smart Cities for Universal Design Purposes’, Energies, vol. 16, no. 3, Art. no. 3, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.3390/en16031024.