Data in the park - Argyle Square
Exploring the role of data and technology in our parks.
Technology and data are increasingly playing a role in our daily lives. The Emerging Technology Testbed is a place to collaboratively explore the function of new and emerging technologies, such as 5G and the Internet of Things, and the different processes that support them. Most importantly, the Testbed allows us to explore how
these technologies impact Melbourne on a city scale, community scale, and for the individual.
While there are various definitions for a testbed, City of Melbourne’s testbed is a tool for collaborative, strategic and transparent testing of the opportunities and impacts of new technologies. This leads to data and insights that can help inform decision-making around the application of emerging technology in our city. For example, how 5G is made available in our cities, considering infrastructure, ownership of devices, processes around use, equitable access and more.
To help you understand, below is quick reference to some of the key terminology that is used about these initiatives. Testbed projects involve a variety of challenges, pilots and trials.
These projects help us to learn about risks and unlock possibilities. This means that the implementation of new technologies in our city best supports the people who live, work and play here.
Follow this page and individual pilot pages via the links below for:
For more information, you can contact at our team at smartcities@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Exploring the role of data and technology in our parks.
Providing an insight into how we can make waste disposal systems supportive, sustainable and enjoyable.
Exploring how city retail spaces can better support our community and economy.
Designing inclusive new experiences in public spaces that encourage people to connect.
Discovering how data might inform urban design that connects and supports our community.
Exploring big ideas in Melbourne's oldest innovation precinct.
Exploring how data can inform the master-planning of one of Melbourne’s most beautiful parks.
Exploring how to include and enable community in city data and technology projects.
How data plays a role in design and operation.
What role can local waste play in Fishermans Bend rainwater management?
Understanding Birrarung Marr through data.
Using sensors to learn about one of West Melbourne’s key green spaces.
The testbed was established in 2018 to harness opportunities and explore the challenges of new and emerging technology.
A variety of activities laid the groundwork for the establishment of the testbed:
These activities showcased the opportunities to collaborate with the local knowledge economy. The City of Melbourne’s testbed launched in 2018.
In establishing the testbed, we worked with 26 local and national industry partners. Our goal was to develop a collaboration deed to provide a framework of rules, relationships, systems, and processes of the testbed, ensuring a fair and successful environment for collaboration. A data sharing procedure and policy was also co-created to establish protocols to help manage data ethically and equitably.
Once this was completed, all 26 partners were invited to submit pitches in response to three key issues:
The Data in the park - Argyle Square pilot is a direct result of the first testbed challenge.
The first testbed challenge invited our founding partners to submit ideas in response to a challenge statement. Read more in ‘History of the testbed’ above. The Data in the park - Argyle Square pilot is a direct result of the first testbed challenge.
In 2020, we ran our second testbed challenge. The Reimagining the City Challenge asked entrepreneurs, individuals, universities, researchers, startup, scaleups and established organisations to submit their pitches on how they might contribute to bringing life back into the city. Learn more about the challenge or watch the top seven pitches. Three challenge winners are now currently in pilot stage: Micro-Labs: Reimagining retail: Reimagining retail, Open Arcade: Gaming for everyone: Gaming for everyone and Social Spaces: Designing public space with data.
Our next challenge will be announced later this year. Follow the testbed to stay informed and learn how you can get involved.
The testbed was established in collaboration with 26 local and national industry partners. These organisations included:
Learn about the creative solutions that will reimagine Melbourne.