Barcelona: the world's smartest city? [Built Environment Internet of Things]

BARCELONA is one of Europe's top tourist destinations - but as groups of visitors stream into the stunningly beautiful basilica Sagrada Familia designed by Antoni Gaudi, I explore another of the city's attractions, at a bus stop just a stone's throw away. Call it a technology gimmick, but it's one of many things that set Barcelona apart from other cities. The bus I get on has not only an environmentally friendly engine, but also a number of USB mobile chargers onboard, free to use. And so do many of the bus stops dotted around town, right next to the huge interactive touchscreens that are connected to the Internet and help you find your way around the city. Most locals in Barcelona take such amenities for granted these days, but at least the tourists notice. It's just one of several things that have earned Barcelona the label of being one of the world's top 'smart cities'.