Acceptance of IoT Edge-Computing-Based Sensors in Smart Cities for Universal Design Purposes

Abstract

Around 20% of the population is disabled. Many people have mobility problems, including the elderly and people with young children. It is crucial to adapt cities to the needs of these people and, at the same time, to the needs of all residents. This is the subject of universal design, which should consider inhabitants’ needs and habits. This information can be collected by Internet of Things (IoT) devices that observe and listen to residents. Residents do not accept constant surveillance, so the public may not accept data collection by IoT sensors. This study aimed to identify and evaluate factors influencing the acceptance of data collection by IoT devices for universal design. For this purpose, an online survey was prepared by the Warsaw University of Technology. The following statistical methods were used to analyze the data: descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis and structural equation modeling. This paper identifies key factors influencing the acceptance of IoT devices for universal design. The statistically significant factors are the perceived usefulness of data collection, trust in city authorities, the perceived security of data collected by IoT devices and empathy for people with disabilities. The original achievement of this study is its indication that empathy for the disabled moderates and increases the positive relationship between the perceived usefulness of IoT devices and their acceptance. It was also found that trust in city authorities mediates the relationship between the perceived usability and acceptance of IoT devices. City authorities can use the results of this analysis in the implementation of IoT devices in smart cities.