Edge Computing-Based Intelligent Manhole Cover Management System for Smart Cities

An intelligent manhole cover management system (IMCS) is one of the most important basic platforms in a smart city to prevent frequent manhole cover accidents. Manhole cover displacement, loss, and damage pose threats to personal safety, which is contrary to the aim of smart cities. This paper proposes an edge computing-based IMCS for smart cities. A unique radio frequency identification tag with tilt and vibration sensors is used for each manhole cover, and a Narrowband Internet of Things is adopted for communication. Meanwhile, edge computing servers interact with corresponding management personnel through mobile devices based on the collected information. A demonstration application of the proposed IMCS in the Xiasha District of Hangzhou, China, showed its high efficiency. It efficiently reduced the average repair time, which could improve the security for both people and manhole covers.