Amazon is leading a “smart island” project on the Greek island of Naxos, where trial drone deliveries and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies will be tested.
1. ”Naxos, Smart Island”
Early in October, Amazon landed on Naxos to present the implementation of an idea proposed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Amazon’s main shareholder, Jeff Bezos, during their meeting in Antiparos in the summer of 2021. The “Naxos, Smart Island” project was designed in collaboration with 20 Greek and international companies and developed with the support of the Greek government, local authorities and the US Embassy.
The Embassy is happy to celebrate the announcement of @awscloud Smart Island Project in Naxos, offering unique tech services to the people of @NaxosIslands in health, environment, tourism & more. A wonderful 🇺🇸🇬🇷 partnership in innovation, strengthening our people-to-people ties. pic.twitter.com/lnk1e5PaoC
— U.S. Embassy Athens (@USEmbassyAthens) October 5, 2022
The entire project “Naxos, Smart Island” is based on technical infrastructure provided by Amazon Web Services, which is in charge of the coordination of the numerous companies involved — multinationals and startups.
2. Drones and telemedicine
For the concept to become a reality, Amazon is in the process of presenting solutions for “smart” management of the island’s marinas, applications for the distribution of goods via drones on the Aegean islands, telemedicine applications, and high connectivity applications.
Trials with drones have been underway for months, as the idea has been touted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Amazon’s main shareholder, Jeff Bezos last summer. As soon as operable, these drones, which are designed and manufactured in Greece, are expected to transport biological material and medicines not only between different locations on Naxos but to and from the nearby islands.
3. IoT
Adding to the “smart” technologies, IoT-type circuit is also in development on the island by placing, for example, electronic sensors in the parking spaces reserved exclusively for public works or coast guard vehicles. Sustainability is also part of the project, with waste bins to be equipped with similar sensors so that the collection and recycling process can be completely streamlined.
The Amazon-led project hopes to reduce the energy and environmental burden on the island, rendering it more sustainable with a little help from technology. It also expects to upgrade the quality of life in Naxos, providing greater connectivity and allowing goods arrive timely to the residents. Finally, the project is targeting an increase in tourist traffic to Naxos and Small Cyclades, including attracting visitors as well as digital nomads for long-term or permanent settlement.
