(Atlanta, GA): In partnership with IKE Smart City, the City of Atlanta unveiled the first in a series of digital interactive kiosks called IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. With Mayor Andre Dickens, Councilmembers and many other City stakeholders in attendance, the event demonstrates the City’s commitment to bridge the digital divide, with the installation of 120 IKE kiosks across Atlanta. Three IKEs are fully installed at the time of launch, with the rest to follow. Designed to help visitors and residents access local businesses and navigate the City, this partnership brings state-of-the-art smart city technology to the public at no cost to the City or its constituents. A minimum of 25% of the network has been allocated to underserved communities.

The launch event will take place at the intersection of Benjamin E Mays Drive and Cascade Road, with remarks from Mayor Andre Dickens and District 11 Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet, among others. IKE Smart City partnered closely with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Information Management on this project, with enthusiastic support from the Mayor’s office.

“As one city with one bright future, the installation of these IKE kiosks across the city demonstrates our commitment to connectivity,” said Mayor Dickens. “The IKE kiosks are informative, showcase the best our city has to offer to residents and visitors alike and further assist our efforts to move Atlanta forward.”

IKE puts innovative technology in commercial, pedestrian-oriented areas to offer advanced wayfinding capabilities through smart city technology. The double-sided ADA-compliant kiosks have two digital touchscreens and an engaging suite of interactive applications that drive discovery, mobility, and equity. Each kiosk serves as a free Wi-Fi hotspot and is location-aware, displaying information specific to the surrounding area for a hyper-local experience. Multilingual content includes detailed listings of area businesses, cultural institutions, events, civic resources, job listings, and social services such as safe shelters, addiction recovery programs, and food support. Local small businesses will receive free promotion within IKE’s directory listings and a reduced rate to advertise on the kiosks.

IKE Smart City shares Atlanta’s commitment to the local economy and equitable access to critical resources. The wayfinding features are designed to turn information into action – the location of the kiosks were strategically chosen to ensure there is access in every City Council District across Atlanta. Using real-time, aggregated public transit data, IKE provides users access to easy-to-use multimodal trip- planning features to navigate via public transit, bike share, scooters, ride share, and walking. Such

capabilities directly link visitors and residents to local businesses and social services through sustainable, equitable, and accessible transportation services and resources.

IKE also enhances the City’s ability to connect with residents and visitors by serving as a widespread communication platform. In addition to displaying commercial content, IKE allots space for community messaging relevant to the City and local communities, while also disseminating critical public safety information in a highly visible way. Through a real-time feed from the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), the kiosks immediately display emergency messaging such as severe weather warnings, AMBER Alerts, active shooter events, fire warnings, and other information provided by over 1,000 authorities certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). All kiosks are also equipped with security cameras and an emergency call button that connects directly to a 911 dispatcher.

Other public safety features include regular cleaning of the kiosks – at least three times a week – and an anti-viral screen coating that kills 99.9% of viral bacterial pathogens. IKE Smart City will also provide air quality reports to the City of Atlanta.

“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Atlanta, one of the largest and most diverse cities in the country. IKE will further activate the pedestrian experience providing widespread connectivity and equal access to information to all communities,” said Pete Scantland, CEO of IKE Smart City. “In addition to driving discovery, mobility, and equity, the kiosks will support the city’s cultural diversity through the display of public art on IKE’s screens.”

IKE Smart City supports the production and presentation of art and cultural activities in Atlanta, reflected in IKE’s ongoing programming mix. The kiosks will regularly exhibit new projects by local and international artists collaborating with some of Atlanta’s most recognized cultural institutions and art organizations. A launch project will feature the work of artist Dr. Fahamu Pecou, an award-winning American visual artist and scholar known for producing works that combine aspects of fine art and hip-hop as commentary on popular culture. In addition, the kiosks will feature work and programming from other Atlanta-based artists, community groups, and galleries, including Adrian Franks, Dubelyoo, ZuCot Gallery, and Power Haus Creative. IKE has also partnered with Atlanta Contemporary to promote its exhibitions through advertising and to feature art from its exhibition program.

ABOUT IKE SMART CITY

ABOUT THE CITY OF ATLANTA

For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.

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