IoT at the European Championships: The invisible playmaker in the stadium

Lawn care

The first IoT solutions are already in use in the stadium a few hours before kick-off. For example, ground sensors on the pitch register moisture and solar radiation and send the measurement data via mobile communications into the cloud. Using this information and current weather data, the greenkeeper can water as needed. Meanwhile, an autonomous lawn mower ensures the correct blade length. To ensure that the smart service vehicle always stays on track, it uses a high-precision positioning, which is based on mobile and satellite data. The chalk lines for the upcoming game are then freshly drawn. This is done by a further self-driving robot.

Intralogistics

50,000 spectators naturally want to be catered for from the moment they enter the stadium until after the game. Hectolitres of beer and tonnes of bratwurst therefore arrive in the catacombs early in the morning. The Goods receipt runs via IoT sensor technology: Incoming pallets are automatically scanned and received by self-driving forklift trucks; autonomous transport vehicles take the goods to the catering areas and sales stands after they have been unpacked.

Parking

Our protagonist Kalle Konter has now reached the stadium. In addition to his ticket, he has of course also booked a parking space via his European Championship app - including an electric charging point. As Kalle drives onto the stadium grounds, the app guides him along the shortest route to his personal parking space near the entrance that is most convenient for him. Kalle closes his Electric car at the charging station. They have verified themselves at the charging station using the app; the charging costs are included in the ticket price.

Lighting

In the car park and on the stadium grounds, connected LED lanterns automatically adjust their brightness depending on the lighting conditions. They are also equipped with USB charging sockets and free Wi-Fi for visitors; an interactive stadium map is available on an information display. The Exterior stadium lighting is controlled as required using IoT sensor technology. These measures save the operator up to 40 per cent in energy costs. A autonomous cleaning robot cleans the solar panels on the stadium roof.

Commuter buses

Kalle takes a free autonomous shuttle that takes him and other fans from the car park to the stadium. The vehicle is not only equipped with LiDAR technology to manoeuvre safely on the terrain. Precise Positioning also ensures precise navigation on the way to the entrances.

Self-Service & Navigation

On a digital terminal at the entrance, Kalle has the ticket QR code scanned in the app. Of course, he himself is also scanned - by body scanners that he already knows from the airport. An intelligent Visitor flow measurement ensures that all fans can move through the countless aisles and levels as smoothly and safely as possible. Thanks to anonymised signalling data from the mobile phone network, the stadium operator can see at which stalls and in front of which toilets queues could form and redirects visitors accordingly via digital signs. This means Kalle doesn't have to wait long for his stadium sausage. He also uses his app to find the nearest jersey shop, where he can pay with his mobile phone using a smart checkout system. Freshly fortified and equipped, the app guides him to his seat - and the game can begin!

Comfort & Sustainability

The operator's building management system collects data from thousands of IoT sensors distributed throughout the stadium. The intelligent system regulates lighting and ventilation as required and coordinates the washroom service. This allows energy costs to be saved and staff to be deployed in a more targeted manner.

Mobile

A separate 5G campus network fast, reliable mobile communications. No reception in a packed stadium? That was yesterday. Thanks to 5G, all spectators can post photos or watch live streams of parallel matches without restrictions.

Security

After the final whistle, the aim is to escort all football fans safely out of the stadium. All the necessary anonymised data from video cameras and visitor flow measurement is collected in the security authorities' operations centre. A chain of five networked emergency exit signs, defibrillators, smoke alarms, first aid kits and fire extinguishers provide additional safety for visitors. If a device needs to be replaced, a warning message is immediately sent to the security service. Meanwhile, Kalle uses the guidance system in his app to find the shortest route back to his car park. His car battery is fully charged again - it's time to head home.

Cleanliness

Where 50,000 people celebrate a football festival, a lot of waste is produced. There are also cleaners to keep the box clean: Networked waste bins report automatically for emptying by self-propelled waste vehicles. This means that no bins overflow or are approached even though they are not yet full. Autonomous sweepers clean all areas after the fans have left, which saves on personnel. Outside on the stadium grounds, other self-driving robots Waste and Cigarette butts - so that everything flashes and blinks again before the next game. 1:0 for IoT, the secret playmaker in the stadium!