Driouch Smart City Project (Smart Driouch)

Project Context and Problem Statement

The Smart Driouch project comes as a technological response to the challenges of urban expansion in the city of Driouch, which faces precise local issues that can be summarized as follows:

• Seasonal traffic congestion: heavy pressure on the city’s road infrastructure during summer because of the large arrival of Moroccans living abroad, which slows traffic and delays emergency interventions.
• Risk of natural disasters: the continuous threat of Oued Kert, which crosses the city and has already caused major losses during strong floods, in addition to the fact that the city and region are located in the Rif area known for seismic activity.

Research question: how can embedded systems and artificial intelligence technologies be integrated to create a proactive and smart system that reduces traffic isolation, provides early warning against natural disasters and protects the residents of Driouch?

Technical Components and Engineering Design

The proposed solutions were represented through a precise engineering model simulating the city’s infrastructure. The system relies on Arduino boards as a central brain for data processing, connected to a network of precise sensors:

• Traffic and parking management: RFID module for vehicle identification, servo motors for barrier control and 12V relays for controlling the traffic light network.
• Natural disaster monitoring: water level sensors to monitor Oued Kert and MPU6050 vibration sensors to detect early ground tremors.
• Environmental and logistics management: soil moisture sensors for smart irrigation and a color sensor for waste sorting or routing vehicles.

Implementation and Methodology

The system works automatically and in an interconnected way to solve the proposed problems through the following axes:

• Early warning and crisis management system: when danger is detected, the system automatically changes traffic light states, opens road barriers to facilitate evacuation, lights safe escape routes and alerts emergency vehicles.
• Smart traffic and emergencies: the system reacts immediately when an ambulance approaches by opening a “green path” that ensures its passage without delay.
• Smart parking: parking is organized using RFID technology for authorized vehicles only, reducing disorder.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Services

To strengthen the city’s security and practical side, artificial intelligence was integrated as a higher layer for data management through a smart assistant for citizens (Chatbots). This interactive system provides residents with real-time updates to avoid congestion or urgent alerts in case of flood risk from Oued Kert.

Creative and Cultural Touch

The project is not limited to purely technical solutions; it also integrates local identity through the digital olive tree. This model represents a cultural landmark of the Driouch region and highlights the project’s main theme: when advanced technology meets local identity and culture.

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals

This project directly contributes to sustainable development through:

• Saving lives: through early warning against floods and earthquakes.
• Environmental sustainability: rationalizing water consumption through smart irrigation.
• Reducing emissions: limiting pollution caused by traffic congestion.