Exploring smart city tech in Tampere
Exploring smart city tech in Tampere
In January, my colleague and I had the chance to visit Tampere, a vibrant Finnish city that’s quickly becoming a model for smart urban innovation. What stood out most during our stay wasn’t just the modern architecture or the crisp winter, it was the way Tampere is integrating smart technology into daily life in subtle yet impactful ways.
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Quick facts
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We visited Tampere for X-CITE project
Smart laser projection
One example we found both clever and inspiring was how Tampere uses laser projectors to enhance pedestrian safety. In several areas, when the pedestrian light turns red, a crisp red line is projected onto the sidewalk, clearly signaling that crossing is not allowed. It’s simple, effective, and incredibly visible, even in snowy or low-light conditions.
This smart solution is particularly powerful in a country like Finland, where winter brings long periods of darkness and heavy snow. Traditional streetlights or LED signals can be obscured, but a projected laser line on the walking path is always visible and direct. It’s an example of how technology can make cities safer without being intrusive or overcomplicated.
In a world where people are constantly looking down at there phones, this invention could also be implemented in Belgium.
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Human-centered technology
What we appreciated most about Tampere’s approach is how human-centered the technology is. Rather than flashy screens or overwhelming systems, the tech blends into the city. It complements the environment while quietly solving real problems, like helping people navigate safely during winter, or making traffic signals more accessible for the visually impaired or elderly.
This visit to Tampere left us thinking: what other urban challenges could be solved by smart, thoughtful technology? Whether it’s managing traffic, supporting accessibility, or improving energy efficiency, Tampere is showing how even small interventions, like a red laser line, can have a big impact.
We came back home with plenty of inspiration and ideas for how we might apply similar thinking in our own cities. Sometimes, the smartest tech isn’t about being the most advanced: it’s about being the most useful, at the right moment, in the right place.
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Cesar De Greve, Creatieve Technoloog
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Last updated on: 5/5/2025
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