Solar-Powered ‘Smart Benches’ set to re-energise London’s Public Spaces

Workers and visitors to London’s Canary Wharf will be the world’s first to enjoy the benefits of a new kind of smart street furniture designed to relieve some of modern life’s daily frustrations and make our cities ‘smarter’.

Four interactive solar-powered benches by smart city innovator Strawberry energy, which combine somewhere pleasant to sit with phone charging points along with local information, will premiere in Canary Wharf this summer.

These smart benches were developed during the Cognicity Challenge, which was set up to identify smart cities start-up businesses from around the world, and pilot their technologies in Canary Wharf.

“We developed the Strawberry Bench as part of a modern smart city that cares for its residents, commuters and visitors. It enhances people’s experience in public spaces and motivates them to enjoy hands-on experience of renewable energy,’ said Milos Milisavljevic, founder and CEO of Strawberry energy.

As well as free mobile phone charging via a range of connectors, the smart benches will provide multiple services such as relevant local information, air quality levels, and an emergency call button.

“London will be the first city to use these smart benches. Success here will be a springboard to roll out solar energy units across cities and business zones in Britain, Europe and the Middle East, where innovative technology is being used to build more sustainable, smart urban spaces that support people’s diverse needs,’ said Milos.

Camille Waxer, Chief Administrative Officer of Canary Wharf Group said: “We were introduced to Strawberry energy through their involvement with the Cognicity Challenge. They pitched an impressive concept of a sustainable, yet functional bench that uses solar energy to power mobile devices. Their innovative design has led us to install four of these benches across the Canary Wharf Estate and we’re pretty excited to see the interaction and look forward to working with Strawberry energy.”

To find out more about Strawberry energy and their renewable energy products, visit this link.