AUS team receives Best Paper Award for “IoT-Based Sustainable Parking Lot” at ICSGSC 2023

An American University of Sharjah (AUS) computer science and engineering team won the Best Paper Award for their paper "Internet of Things (IoT)-Based Sustainable Parking Lot,” which discusses the development of eco-friendly parking facilities empowered by IoT and machine learning technologies, at the Seventh International Conference on Smart Grid and Smart Cities (ICSGSC) 2023 held recently in Lanzhou, China.

ICSGSC, an annual gathering initiated in 2017, provides a global platform for industry leaders, academics and government representatives to exchange groundbreaking ideas, discuss emerging challenges and showcase innovative research. 

Supported by an AUS Undergraduate Research Grant, the research began as a senior design project by the computer engineering alumni Abdullah Binmahfooz, Ibrahim Mohammed, Khalfan Alshamsi and Marwan Alshaali, who graduated in Spring 2023, addressing a critical urban challenge by eliminating unauthorized parking and reducing environmental impact. Utilizing an array of sensors, cameras and advanced AI algorithms for vehicle detection and plate recognition, the system includes a carbon emissions sensor at the gate to detect emissions generated by vehicles entering the parking lot. Additionally, a deep learning neural network predicts parking lot congestion, while a user-friendly website and mobile app facilitate seamless interaction with the system.

Alshamsi said: "I am immensely honored to receive the Best Paper Award at the ICSGSC 2023 conference. My team and I put in a lot of hard work on our senior design project, and seeing our effort recognized makes me incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Our mentors, Dr. Al-Ali and Dr. Dhou, provided invaluable guidance that was instrumental in our journey. This pivotal project has helped shape my career, and as I now navigate my role at Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, the innovative capabilities I honed continue to enrich my daily work."

The research paper for the senior design project was further enriched through collaborative efforts by AUS professors Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Ali and Dr. Salam Dhou from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Ahmad Al Nabulsi, Senior Lab Instructor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, making it eligible for recognition at the conference.

“The research's importance is closely linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific focus on Goal 3: 'Enhancing Health and Well-being,' and Goal 11: 'Fostering Sustainable Urban and Community Development.' Furthermore, it highlights the resolute commitment of the United Arab Emirates to ecological sustainability, particularly as it prepares itself to host COP28,” said Dr. Al-Ali.

Dr. Al-Ali also noted that the impact of this pioneering work extends beyond technology, enhancing the well-being and convenience of users while significantly reducing the workload of parking security personnel. 

“Our work contributes to the creation of greener, more accessible urban spaces. The system is versatile, with applications ranging from public parking facilities and residential towers to compounds and shopping malls,” Dr. Dhou said.

Dr. Dhou emphasized that their research work reflects the importance of technology in shaping a sustainable and accessible urban future.

“Winning the Best Paper Award at this prestigious conference motivates us to explore new horizons in technology and innovation. Our project is not just about smart parking; it's about shaping cities that are more accessible, efficient and environmentally friendly. We are inspired to continue our journey towards creating smarter, greener and more inclusive urban spaces that benefit everyone," she  said.

AUS is ranked among the top four in the UAE and top ​450 universities globally for ​computer science and information systems according to QS World University Rankings by subject (202​3​). The Department of ​Computer Science and Engineering offers programs that are designed to meet future needs for computer science experts. Graduates who have studied computer science and information systems at AUS are the top choice for employers in the UAE according to QS World University Rankings (2023).

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