About


Smart city systems can help solve urban challenges. But when collecting data, what public values are involved? The Responsible Sensing Lab explores how to integrate social values in the design of sensing systems in public space.

In January 2021 the Responsible Sensing Lab was officially launched during an interactive livestream event. In essence the Lab is a testbed for conducting rigorous, transparent, and replicable research on how our smart technologies placed in public space can be designed in a way that makes the smart city ‘responsible’.

Our projects


Consortium Smart Doorbells

The Smart Doorbell Consortium is committed to the responsible use of smart doorbells. It explores the needs and concerns of citizens and investigates both regulatory and design-based solutions to address privacy and security risks. The initiative also aims to establish an international consortium to create a comprehensive list of functional requirements for manufacturers to design safer products.

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Pilot City Soundscapes

The Responsible Sensing Lab's Listening to our Cities project investigates the effect of sound on the urban environment. The test setup at the Marineterrein helps to further refine the accuracy of the sensors.

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Tuned Out

More and more people are wearing noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds in everyday life. Yet this shift raises questions: Are we losing something vital in the process? What does it mean for public life, where we no longer make eye contact, smile, or strike up a conversation with strangers?

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Smart sensors to understand construction noise

How to better identify sources and reduce sound pollution in urban areas? This pilot uses smart sensors to monitor construction noise in Amsterdam.

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Our latest updates


New findings regarding smart doorbells

Smart doorbells are now a common sight in the Netherlands. Many people like the convenience and feeling of safety they offer. At the same time, research shows that these devices often conflict with privacy regulations.

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Opening Innovation Museum

On July 10, 2025, the Innovation Team of the City of Amsterdam officially opened the doors to the Innovation Museum – a festive moment marking a decade of work at the intersection of social and technological innovation.

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mmWave Results

We have relaunched the mmWave pilot at Marineterrein to better understand the technology and its application for monitoring crowds in the urban infrastructure. Our Researcher Girish will share his first results.

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