TAKING the kids to the park is one of life’s simple pleasures – but sometimes you also need to stay connected.
The City of Joondalup has installed its first smart bench, which overlooks the playground at the northern end of Tom Simpson Park in Mullaloo.
The bench has integrated solar panels allowing park users to charge different types of devices.
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It comes with two USB ports and wireless charging is available by placing the device on the charging pad.
A wi-fi connection is also possible but has not yet been activated.
With more than 15 sensors inside the Steora smart bench, it can monitor everything that happens on and around it.
Every second, sensors gather data about air parameters, bench usage and its system status.
All information gathered can then be accessed via a dashboard.
Mayor Albert Jacob said the new technology was “really exciting”.
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“We’ve all been in a situation where you’re out and about and really need to make a call or send an email but have limited battery life,” he said.
“This bench helps avoid that situation, all while the kids play.
“Tom Simpson Park is a great location to test such technology given its popularity and the young family demographic.”