A smart bench that runs on green energy

It might not look like it, but this street bench is a multitasker.

Maybe you've seen one in your city... an unassuming backless street bench with inset solar panels. Designed for busy urban centres, this smart bench invented in Croatia invites passers-by to not only take a rest and catch their breath but also recharge their mobile phones and devices or connect to the Internet.

Found on city streets and squares and in the parks, ports and marinas of 260 cities around the world, the smart bench's sleek and simple look is misleading. It might not look like it, but this street bench is a multitasker. It's a charging station for mobile phones and other gadgets via the USB ports integrated into its design or the wireless charging panel. It also functions as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot and the ambient lighting provides an atmospheric night-time glow. And best of all, this bench is powered entirely by the sun whose rays are captured through the photovoltaic panels covering the surface of the bench.