Wired Italia – 2021. 03. 01.

Wired Italia highlighted Kuube smart benches as an innovative way to bring connectivity, charging and environmental monitoring into public spaces. Powered entirely by solar energy, the benches can be installed independently from the electrical grid wherever sufficient sunlight, stable ground and 3G/4G coverage are available.

The Kuube solar benches provide USB ports and wireless charging for smartphones while also functioning as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Integrated sensors monitor environmental conditions, including air quality and humidity, adding useful environmental data to the everyday functions of public seating.

At the time of the article, the Kuube range consisted of three models: ECO, NANO and PLUS, designed for up to three, four and eight people respectively. The larger PLUS model features a distinctive covered structure that provides protection from both strong sunlight and rain. The benches combine an aluminium structure and tempered glass with ash wood seating, creating durable outdoor smart furniture for public environments.

Wired also highlighted Kuube installations already operating in Budapest, Várpalota and Balatonalmádi, as well as Skradin in Croatia. The combination of renewable energy, connectivity and environmental monitoring demonstrates how smart city technology can become a practical part of everyday public spaces.