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Introduction

In modern cities, parking management is one of the most pressing challenges for governments, citizens and businesses. Searching for a parking space not only causes stress and frustration, but also contributes to traffic and pollution. To address these problems, technology is transforming the way we park through Smart Parking systems. These systems integrate advanced technologies to make parking more efficient, sustainable, and convenient. In this article, we will explore what Smart Parking is, how it works, its benefits, and the challenges of its implementation.

What is Smart Parking?

Smart Parking is a system that uses advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, mobile apps, and artificial intelligence to improve parking management. These systems can monitor parking space availability in real time, guide drivers to free parking spaces, optimize space use, and facilitate electronic payment.

How does Smart Parking work?

A Smart Parking system generally includes:

Sensors: installed in parking lots, the sensors detect whether a parking space is occupied or vacant;

IoT platforms: data collected by the sensors is sent to a central platform that processes and analyzes it;

Mobile apps: parking availability information is sent to users via mobile apps, allowing them to find and reserve free spaces in real time;

Payment systems: mobile apps often integrate electronic payment systems, making the payment process faster and cashless;

Data analysis: using artificial intelligence and data analysis, Smart Parking systems can predict parking demand and optimize space allocation;

Benefits of Smart Parking

Adopting a Smart Parking system offers numerous benefits for cities, motorists, and the environment:

Reduced traffic: with less time spent searching for a parking space, city traffic is significantly reduced;

Improved air quality: less traffic means fewer emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, helping to improve air quality;

Convenience for users: motorists can find parking more easily and pay quickly and easily through mobile apps;

Operational efficiency: cities can better manage parking resources, optimizing space use and reducing operational costs;

Analysis and planning: collected data can be used to analyze parking use patterns and improve urban planning.

Challenges of Smart Parking

Despite the many benefits, the implementation of Smart Parking presents some challenges:

Upfront costs: installing sensors, IoT platforms, and supporting infrastructure requires a significant initial investment;

Technology integration: integrating different existing technologies and systems can be complex and requires coordinated management;

Maintenance: sensors and technological infrastructure require regular maintenance to ensure proper operation;

User acceptance: the deployment of Smart Parking requires users to be willing to adopt new technologies and payment methods;

Data security: data collection and management require attention to user security and privacy.

Examples of Smart Parking implementation.

Many cities around the world are successfully adopting Smart Parking systems. Here are some examples:

San Francisco: the SFpark project uses wireless sensors to monitor parking space availability and provide real-time information to drivers via mobile apps;

Barcelona: Barcelona has implemented a Smart Parking system that includes sensors, mobile apps and electronic payments to improve the efficiency of urban parking;

Stockholm: the city has adopted a Smart Parking system that uses advanced technologies to manage public parking and reduce traffic congestion.

Future of Smart Parking

The future of Smart Parking is promising, with continuous innovations and technological improvements. The use of autonomous vehicles could further revolutionize parking, with cars parking themselves in optimized spaces. In addition, integration with smart grids and shared mobility solutions could make parking systems even more efficient and sustainable.

Conclusion

Smart Parking represents an innovative solution to address parking challenges in modern cities. Through the use of advanced technologies, these systems improve efficiency, reduce traffic and pollution, and offer greater convenience for motorists. Despite the challenges, the implementation of Smart Parking can transform urban mobility, helping to create more livable and sustainable cities. As technology continues to advance, the future of Smart Parking promises further improvements and innovations, making our cities even smarter.

If you would like to learn more about Smart Parking and find out how we have overcome the critical issues associated with this now must-have innovation for our cities, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.

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Introduction

The United Nations predicts that by 2050, two-thirds of the world's population will reside in urban areas. In Europe, this trend is even more pronounced, with 75 percent of citizens already living in cities, according to Eurostat. This rapid urbanization puts a strain on existing infrastructure and management systems, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. The Smart Cities emerge as a response to these challenges, aiming to transform urban areas into centers of sustainability and efficiency through advanced technologies, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT).

Cities, although they occupy only 2-3% of the earth's surface, are responsible for 70% of carbon dioxide emissions and significant energy consumption. This high concentration of people and activities makes them a major contributor to climate change. Therefore, the challenge is to effectively integrate people, infrastructure and technologies to minimize environmental impact and improve the quality of urban life.

IoT as a Solution

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a strategic and promising solution to address complex urban issues. With its ability to automate data collection and analysis, IoT facilitates timely and informed decisions, substantially improving various aspects of urban life.

Quality of Life

IoT sensors play a crucial role in continuous environmental monitoring. They collect real-time data on air quality, tracking and measuring all substances that may be harmful to humans. Similarly, sensors installed in water networks monitor water quality, detecting contamination and pH changes in real time, thus ensuring access to safe water resources. In urban settings, noise pollution sensors help identify areas where noise exceeds recommended limits, enabling administrators to take action, such as creating traffic-restricted zones. Another significant example is the use of sensors in garbage collectors to monitor their filling, thus optimizing collection routes and reducing emissions from service vehicles.

Traffic and transportation.

Urban traffic management benefits greatly from IoT technologies. Sensors and cameras installed along roads collect data on traffic flow, congestion and accidents, facilitating dynamic traffic light management to optimize travel times. IoT applications allow drivers to view real-time maps of available parking spaces, helping reduce the time spent looking for a spot. In addition, the integration of IoT sensors in public transportation gives operators the ability to monitor the status of vehicles and intervene promptly in case of anomalies or delays, thus ensuring a more reliable and efficient service.

Smart lighting

Urban lighting is another area that benefits from IoT adoption. Light and motion sensors can adjust the intensity of light in streets based on the actual presence of people or vehicles, maximizing energy efficiency and reducing light pollution. This not only saves energy, but also improves visual comfort and safety at night.

Public safety

IoT contributes significantly to improving urban safety through integrated video surveillance and advanced sensor systems. These systems enable faster and more effective detection and response to emergency situations. For example, smart cameras can analyze real-time video streams to recognize suspicious behavior or dangerous situations, such as sudden gatherings or traffic accidents, automatically triggering appropriate emergency responses.

Sustainable management of water resources

Theadvanced monitoring of water infrastructure through IoT is a crucial breakthrough for urban sustainability. Specific sensors installed in water networks not only identify contamination and ensure safe drinking water, but are also critical in detecting leaks along pipelines. This is vital in a global context where water resources are becoming increasingly scarce and precious. By quickly identifying leaks, prompt action can be taken to repair them, reducing significant water wastage and minimizing environmental impact. Such efficient management not only conserves a critical resource but also reduces the cities' operational costs and carbon footprint.

Infrastructure security

The use of IoT sensors to monitor urban infrastructure provides an additional layer of safety that is essential for disaster prevention. Sensors installed on bridges, viaducts, tunnels, buildings, and aqueducts can detect changes and anomalies that could forewarn of structural failure. This real-time monitoring enables the application of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, which are significantly cheaper than post-damage interventions. Predictive maintenance not only lowers operating costs but also drastically reduces public safety risks, ensuring the longevity and reliability of vital infrastructure.

Conclusion: toward a smart and sustainable future

The adoption of IoT in Smart Cities represents more than a technological advance: it is a strategic imperative for urban sustainability and raising the quality of life. Successful implementation of these technologies requires a holistic vision that transcends sectoral boundaries and is based on synergistic collaboration between public agencies, private businesses and local communities. Such collaboration is essential to building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable resource management, and ensuring a better quality of life for all citizens.

In this context, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the IoT is proving crucial. AI amplifies the potential of the IoT through advanced algorithms that can analyze large volumes of data collected from sensors in real time. This continuous learning and improvement capability allows not only proactive optimization of urban operations, but also predicts trends and behaviors, significantly improving urban planning and response to unexpected events. For example, AI can predict energy or water demand spikes and automatically adjust resources to maximize efficiency and reduce waste. Similarly, embedded AI systems can improve public safety by analyzing video streams to recognize suspicious behavior or emergencies in real time, directing resources where they are most needed.

Adoption of this advanced technology also presents significant challenges, including the need to ensure citizen privacy and data security in an increasingly digital age. Addressing these issues with appropriate policies and regulations will be critical to maintaining public trust and promoting widespread adoption of IoT and AI technologies.

If you would like more information on the integration of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things within city management, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.

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Introduction

Over the past decades, cities around the world have faced a number of growing challenges related to urbanization, including increased traffic, air pollution and loss of quality of life. In response to these challenges, urban planner Carlos Moreno has proposed the concept of the "15-minute city." This model, which aims to create more livable and sustainable communities, is gaining global attention. In this article we will explore the principles of the 15-minute city, its benefits, the challenges of implementing it, and some examples of cities that are adopting this approach.

The principles of the 15-minute city

The 15-minute city concept is based on four basic principles:

Proximity: all essential services, including work, education, shopping, health services, and recreational spaces, should be within a maximum of 15 minutes walking or cycling distance from one's home. This reduces the need for long daily commutes.

Diversity: Urban areas should accommodate a variety of land uses. This diversity supports a range of economic and social activities, making communities more resilient and dynamic.

Inclusiveness: 15-minute cities should ensure equitable access to services for all communities, regardless of income, ethnicity or social status. This principle promotes equality and social cohesion.

Sustainability: Reducing car use and promoting more sustainable means of transportation, such as walking and cycling, decreases the environmental impact of cities, helping to combat climate change and improve air quality.

The benefits of the 15-minute city

Adopting the 15-minute city model brings with it a number of significant benefits:

Reduced traffic and pollution: with fewer people commuting by car, there is less traffic and, consequently, less air pollution. This improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Health improvement: walking and cycling are physical activities that improve cardiovascular and mental health. In addition, having access to green spaces and sports facilities nearby promotes a more active lifestyle.

Social cohesion: 15-minute cities promote greater interaction among residents. The presence of public and community spaces facilitates socialization and strengthens neighborhood ties.

Economic resilience: diversification of local economic activities makes communities more resilient to economic crises. Local small businesses can thrive in an environment where residents shop and use nearby services.

Quality of life: reducing time spent on daily commuting frees up time for other activities, improving the overall well-being of citizens. The availability of services and infrastructure within a short distance makes daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Smart cities and 15-minute cities: the technological aspects

Smart technologies play a crucial role in supporting the 15-minute city model, making urban areas more efficient, sustainable and livable. One of the key tools is the Internet of Things (IoT), which uses sensors to collect real-time data on traffic, air quality, energy consumption and service availability. This data can be analyzed to optimize urban resource management and improve citizens' quality of life.

Digital platforms are another key element, facilitating access to urban services. Mobile applications and online portals enable residents to book medical appointments, find local stores, attend community events, and use public transportation more efficiently. Smart mobility, which includes integrated public transportation systems and bike and car-sharing services, helps reduce dependence on private cars, thereby decreasing traffic and pollution.

Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies can be used to proactively predict and respond to city needs. For example, advanced algorithms can optimize public transportation routes, improve waste management, and increase urban security through smart surveillance.

Implementation challenges

Despite its many benefits, implementation of the 15-minute city model presents several challenges:

Planning and infrastructure: reorganizing existing cities to conform to the model requires a significant investment in urban planning and infrastructure. This includes creating bike lanes, safe sidewalks, and adequate public spaces.

Social equity: ensuring that all neighborhoods, including the least affluent, have equitable access to services is critical. This requires policies that prevent gentrification and promote social inclusion.

Cultural change: adopting the 15-minute city model requires a change in the habits and mindset of citizens, who may be accustomed to being car-dependent. Education and awareness are crucial to the success of the model.

Political and public support: The support of local and national governments, as well as the public, is essential for the implementation of the model. This can include incentives for the use of sustainable transportation and sustainability-oriented urban development policies.

Examples of 15-minute cities

Some cities are already taking concrete steps toward adopting the 15-minute city model:

Paris, France: Mayor Anne Hidalgo is a leading proponent of the 15-minute city model. Paris is implementing policies to reduce car traffic, increase green spaces, and improve accessibility to essential services. One example is the creation of "super-îlots" where car traffic is restricted and streets are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.

Melbourne, Australia: the city has adopted the "Plan Melbourne" plan that calls for the development of 20 "20-minute cities" within the metropolitan area. This plan aims to ensure that all residents can access essential services within a short radius of their homes.

Portland, United States: Portland is known for its sustainable urbanism policies and has begun to incorporate elements of the 15-minute city model into its urban development plan. This includes promoting walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, as well as encouraging local small businesses.

The smart city and the convenient city: Giulia Agrosì's contribution

In her book "The Smart City and the Comfortable City," Giulia Agrosì further explores the concepts of smart city and "comfortable city," exploring how digital technologies can be integrated into urban policies to improve quality of life. The concept of the "convenient city" aligns closely with that of the 15-minute city, emphasizing the importance of citizen-centered urban planning.

Agrosì discusses the use of smart technologies such as IoT sensors, digital platforms and smart mobility systems to create more efficient and sustainable cities. These tools can support the 15-minute city model by making urban services more accessible and improving urban resource management.

The book also places a strong emphasis on inclusiveness and sustainability, key issues for 15-minute cities. Agrosì emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all citizens, regardless of income or social status, have equal access to essential services. It also promotes the creation of green spaces and the adoption of sustainable building practices to improve quality of life and reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion

The 15-minute city model represents an innovative and sustainable vision for the future of urban areas. By promoting proximity, diversity, inclusiveness, and sustainability, this approach can significantly improve the quality of life for citizens, reduce the environmental impact of cities, and create more cohesive and resilient communities. However, its implementation requires careful planning, investment in infrastructure, and strong political and public commitment. With the right support, 15-minute cities could become the norm, transforming our cities into more livable and sustainable places.

If you would like to learn more about the 15-minute city or discover the technological innovations that can enable a transition to the Smart City, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.

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Introduction

In recent years, advanced technology has been shaping our world in revolutionary ways. Particularly, the advent of collaborative robots and autonomous vehicles is reshaping the landscape of mobility unprecedentedly. The integration of artificial intelligence and technological innovations is paving the way for a new era of transportation, redefining our concept of travel and transforming how we move from one point to another. In this article, we will explore the key role that automation and robotics are playing in shaping the future of mobility, focusing particularly on the development of autonomous vehicles and collaborative robots.

Automation in Transportation

Automation in transportation has revolutionized the industry, introducing advanced systems that enhance efficiency and safety. From factories to ports, automation is optimizing logistical management and contributing to reduced times and costs.

Collaborative Robots

Collaborative robots, or cobots, represent a breakthrough in human-machine interaction. These robots are designed to work alongside human operators, increasing productivity and ensuring greater flexibility in work tasks.

Autonomous Vehicles

The advancement of autonomous vehicle technology is transforming the concept of driving. With artificial intelligence systems and sophisticated sensors, autonomous vehicles promise to reduce road accidents, optimize traffic, and offer a new travel experience.

Impact on Urban Mobility

The combination of automation, robotics, and autonomous vehicles is shaping urban mobility. The shared use of autonomous vehicles is expected to reduce the need for car ownership, alleviating traffic congestion and contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Despite exciting progress, the implementation of these technologies poses significant challenges. Safety, privacy, and ethical considerations are at the forefront of the debate surrounding the growth of automation and robotics in transportation.

By examining these aspects, we can fully appreciate the central role that automation and robotics are playing in redefining modern mobility.

Conclusions

In conclusion, automation and robotics are shaping the future of mobility in extraordinary ways. From collaborative robots working closely with humans to the revolution of autonomous vehicles, we are witnessing an epochal shift in transportation and logistics.

These innovations not only improve operational efficiency but also promise to radically transform our travel experience. Autonomous vehicles, in particular, open new horizons, reducing the number of road accidents, optimizing traffic, and contributing to more sustainable urban mobility.

However, with these technological advancements come significant challenges. Safety, privacy, and ethical considerations must be carefully addressed to ensure that automation and robotics positively contribute to our world.

The future of mobility looks exciting, driven by the ongoing integration of automation and robotics. It is now our task to manage these innovations wisely, ensuring that technological progress translates into a safer, more efficient, and sustainable world.

The theme of mobility plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of future cities and, more broadly, in the more efficient use of resources. Day by day, millions of citizens move for work, recreation, travel, or simple daily activities. Therefore, the future of mobility is not only about moving from point A to point B but directly impacts the daily lives of those who inhabit and animate these cities.

Recently, phenomena such as car sharing, carpooling, and peer-to-peer transport services are gaining ground, especially among younger generations. In the age group between 18 and 40, there is a decrease in the use of owned vehicles in favor of mobility-sharing systems, leveraging apps and new technologies.

In this period of rapid change, Smart Mobility is emerging as an increasingly relevant and necessary social and technological revolution. It goes beyond simplifying the movement of people and goods, positioning itself as a catalyst for the transformation of urban spaces into sustainable environments. This article will explore how the intersection of technology and mobility can contribute to reducing environmental impact and improving the quality of life for all of us.

Internet of Things: Data Collection and Analysis for Smart Mobility

In the digital era we are living in, the Internet of Things (IoT) emerges as a condition for many innovations that are revolutionizing various fields, including Mobility. The connectivity of IoT devices enables an unprecedented synergy between vehicles, infrastructure, and users: intelligent sensors integrated into roads can monitor real-time traffic, sending valuable data to optimize management. Connected cars can communicate with each other, avoiding collisions and optimizing routes to reduce travel times. This synergy also extends to services related to Shared Transportation: IoT devices, for example, allow effortless booking and location of shared vehicles. The combination of IoT & Smart Mobility, in addition to making transportation more efficient, sets the groundwork for new services that aim for a personalized mobility experience.

The Revolution of Electric Vehicles

Another pillar of the sustainable mobility of the future is the transition to electric vehicles. Battery technology has taken giant strides, making electric vehicles increasingly accessible and practical. With zero local emissions, these vehicles not only reduce environmental impact but are also at the forefront in terms of performance. The widespread adoption of fast and accessible charging infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the success of this revolution. There is still much to be done in this area, especially regarding the production and disposal of batteries, but it is undeniable that a path has been taken from which it will be difficult to turn back.

The New Era of Car Sharing and Bike Sharing

The sharing of transportation is another sector that has greatly benefited from new technologies. Car sharing and bike sharing platforms allow for a more efficient use of vehicles, reducing the overall number of cars in circulation and decreasing pressure on available resources. User-friendly applications make booking and using these services a breeze, promoting a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Autonomous Driving: Safety and Efficiency for Sustainable Mobility

The advent of autonomous driving is also revolutionizing mobility. Vehicles capable of moving autonomously, perhaps "communicating with each other in real-time," promise to reduce road accidents and optimize traffic flows. With greater fuel efficiency and more predictable travel times, autonomous driving emerges as a valuable ally in the fight for more sustainable mobility.

Smart Mobility: What does it serve for in concrete terms?

The technology of Smart Mobility platforms has evolved significantly in recent years: from car-sharing platforms to ride-sharing platforms, from bike-sharing platforms to those for managing corporate fleets. But what can they practically serve for?

1. To manage the transportation of people or goods, for example, to plan the optimal route and obtain information on the location of vehicles.

2. To monitor vehicles, collect data on their location, as well as speed or fuel consumption.

3. To manage the fleet, for example, to assign vehicles to employees and track their performance.

4. To provide travelers with information on transportation schedules or seat availability.

Smart Mobility and Smart Cities

As crucial as the technological aspect is, it is not the only factor influencing the future of mobility: our cities must also be able to accommodate and facilitate change.

A Smart City is not only digital and interconnected but must also offer personalized mobility solutions based on the needs of citizens. This also impacts infrastructure for micromobility, such as bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks, which must be increasingly integrated.

The cities of the future are called to be sustainable: the integration of smart infrastructures, such as synchronized traffic lights, traffic sensors, and vehicular communication networks, will enable more efficient management of vehicle and pedestrian flows. This will reduce travel times and dangerous situations, but will also contribute to an overall reduction in emissions. New technologies are shaping a future where urban mobility is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. From roads to infrastructure, from vehicles to transportation sharing, technological innovation offers key solutions to address environmental challenges and build greener and more livable cities.

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Introduction

Cities around the world are facing increasingly complex challenges related to population growth, urbanization and the environment. In response to these challenges, the concept of "Smart City" is gaining increasing relevance, using technology and innovation to improve citizens' quality of life, optimize resources, and promote environmental sustainability. In this article, we will explore in detail how Smart Cities are transforming Europe, analyzing the most innovative applications and focusing on the development of Smart Cities in Italy.

Smart City: Concept and Foundations

A Smart City is a city that integrates advanced technologies, data and connectivity to improve efficiency, safety, sustainability and quality of life for citizens. The foundations of a Smart City include:

Advanced Technological Infrastructure

Smart cities are equipped with a network of sensors, cameras, wireless networks, and high-speed connectivity to collect real-time data. This data fuels decision-making and automation of public services.

Data and Analysis

Data processing is crucial. Smart cities use data analytics to make informed decisions and optimize resources. Data from sensors, cameras, and IoT devices enable more efficient management.

Citizen Participation

Actively involving citizens in decision-making and information sharing is essential to the success of Smart Cities. Citizen participation promotes the sharing of data and feedback to improve public services.

Smart City Applications in Europe

Smart cities in Europe are implementing a wide range of innovative solutions to address urban challenges. Here are some examples of use cases:

Sustainable Mobility

European cities are promoting green public transport, electric vehicles and shared mobility systems to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Creating efficient transportation networks is a key objective.

Smart Waste Management

IoT sensors in waste collections monitor bin fill levels, optimizing collection routes and reducing costs. This smart waste management improves efficiency and reduces environmental impact.

Smart Public Lighting

Smart street lights adapt to environmental and traffic conditions, saving energy and improving safety. Real-time control of public lights is a key feature.

Smart Buildings

Smart buildings in Europe use automation to optimize energy use, reducing consumption and improving occupant comfort. Building management systems are central to this goal.

Digital Public Services

Smart cities offer online public services, simplifying interactions with municipal government, from booking parking spaces to requesting documents. Digital platforms increase accessibility to services.

Smart Cities in Italy: Innovation at the Service of Cities

Italy is taking significant steps toward the development of Smart Cities. Here are some notable initiatives:

Milan: Shared Mobility

Milan is investing in shared mobility systems, including electric bikes and car sharing, to reduce traffic and improve air quality. The city is aiming for sustainable mobility.

Turin: Intelligent Lighting

Turin has implemented a smart lighting system that adjusts the intensity of lights based on weather and traffic conditions. The city aims to reduce energy consumption.

Florence: Environmental Monitoring

Florence uses IoT sensors to monitor air quality and noise pollution, providing real-time data to citizens. The city promotes environmental awareness.

Bologna: Intelligent Buildings

Bologna is promoting the energy upgrading of public buildings, reducing consumption and CO2 emissions. The city is committed to sustainability.

Rome: Digital Services

Rome offers digital public services, enabling citizens to make online payments, book services and access useful information. Digitization simplifies procedures.

Outlook for the Next Two Decades

Smart cities in Europe have a promising future for the next 20 years. Some of the prospects include:

Conclusions

Smart cities are changing the face of European cities, improving the lives of citizens, promoting sustainability and optimizing efficiency. Italy is following this trend with innovative initiatives in many of its cities. The goal is to create urban environments that are smarter, sustainable and geared toward people's well-being. The evolution of Smart Cities is a growing process, and Europe is playing a key role in this urban transformation. Global urban challenges can be addressed with creativity and technology, improving the quality of life and the environment in which we live. Looking ahead, Smart Cities will continue to thrive and bring positive change to European communities.

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Ongoing socio-economic changes impose innovative and bold mobility choices in daily routines from which significant improvements can result from an environmental perspective as well as in terms of safety and traffic reduction.

The transport sector is responsible for 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, the European Environment Agency's "Transport and Environment Report" found. In first place, as can be easily guessed, is road traffic, followed by maritime traffic and then air traffic. In contrast, rail transport is the most sustainable by far, producing only 0.4 percent of emissions.

The Sustainability of Rail Transport and the Modal Shift.

The FS Group's Sustainability Report states that "overall, the benefit of sustainable mobility through the use of the FS Group's collective means of transport has been estimated for both rail and road passenger transport and rail freight transport at about 4.8 million tons of CO2e saved." Suffice it to say that a traveler to go from Rome and Milan produces 25Kg of CO2 by traveling by train, 67.5Kg of CO2 by car, and 117.3Kg of CO2 by taking the airplane."All in all, the benefit of sustainable mobility through the use of the FS Group's collective means of transportation has been estimated for both rail and road passenger transport and rail freight transport at about 4.8 million tons of CO2e saved."

This is why the issue of sustainability is at the heart of the FS Group's latest 2022-31 Business Plan, which on the one hand encourages the so-called modal shift, i.e., a change in the travel habits of people and goods, and on the other aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, 10 years ahead of the target set by the EU.

Rail transportation also has to deal with the open issue of emissions from generating the electricity needed to move trains and operate stations and the rail network, which is why the State Railways has launched a more than 1.6 billion euro self-generation plan.

The goal is to produce about 2.6 TWh of energy, which would guarantee to reduce CO2 emissions by about 800,000 tons. A decisive move for the decarbonization of transport: renewable and clean energy will come from real photovoltaic fields placed on the roofs of stations and other buildings of the FS Group, and for this, a widespread monitoring of the entire real estate will be initiated to identify areas and buildings to be used for this purpose.

An ambitious project with enormous potential, but it is not the only one.

Circular Economy and Corporate Sustainability

We also recall Sustainable Construction Sites, which involves the high-speed line to be built between Naples and Bari. This Infrastructure is the first work certified with the Envision Protocol in Europe and has achieved the Platinum level, the highest level achievable. Special attention has been paid to the management of excavated materials, which provides for a reuse of more than 96 percent of the excavated land, in full circular economy view. At the Florence Passante construction sites, these excavated materials are transported precisely by train, with significant savings in terms of pollution and road traffic congestion.

The challenge of digitalization: predictive maintenance

Modern mobility is not just mobility. It also requires very advanced integration with the issues of connectivity and digitization, issues on which the FS Group is far ahead.

It is precisely digitization that plays a crucial role in making effective predictive maintenance, which in the transportation sector is undermining "reactive" maintenance that creates huge costs in terms of time and inconvenience. Following reactive maintenance, a certain component is changed when it breaks down, resulting in failure, delay and inconvenience to passengers, expenses that cannot be budgeted for and are often incurred by having to take emergency action. Not to mention the danger and possible consequences to people.

What is predictive maintenance based on instead? On the collection, analysis, and processing of data-everything is monitored, from the network to the support facilities to the rolling stock, which thus becomes much safer. The FS group has deployed its two main entities: Trenitalia, which is responsible for fleet management and efficiency, and RFI which is responsible for managing the rail network. With this paradigm shift comes a new methodology that aims to prevent breakdowns and improve the efficiency of maintenance activities, precisely through data collection and analysis.

Wear, temperatures and vibrations are among the most important aspects to monitor, since if these parameters are out of control the life cycle of the components involved is greatly shortened. Of course, the fundamental acquisition of data with thousands of sensors on the vehicles and structures is then accompanied by their analysis and processing, activities on which personnel must also be constantly updated.

An example of this approach is Trenitalia's DMMS (Dynamic Maintenance Management System) that has been in operation for a few years and allows real-time monitoring of the entire fleet of regional, Intercity and Frecce trains: each train sends 5,000 pieces of information per minute.

A very detailed level of continuous analysis that no human being could carry out as effectively.

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How to revolutionize the insurance industry with models and solutions to assess risk, build customer loyalty, and detect fraud? We asked our Chief Mobility Technology Officer.

The technological evolution represented by the combination of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Automation has proven to be a winning bet in several industries. In the insurance field, particularly in Insurance Telematics, these emerging technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide better service to customers. 

We recently interviewed our own Marco D'Ambrosio on the topic, who provided us with a broad and comprehensive overview of why to take a specific approach and the resulting benefits for companies that choose to integrate these three technologies.

Marco, how would you define with one adjective the integrated use of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation in Insurance Telematics?

"Disruptive" is the adjective I use most often to qualify the approach that Insurance Telematics offers to risk management in the insurance industry, bringing benefits to both companies and customers. The integration of IoT, Artificial Intelligence and automation creates new opportunities for improving efficiency, reducing costs and offering personalized service. Insurance companies that adopt these innovative solutions will be able to remain competitive and provide added value to their customers in an ever-changing market.

Point us to four significant use cases that help us understand the benefits of the integrated approach of IoT, AI and Automation in Insurance Telematics?

  1. I would definitely start with Risk Assessment and Rates. Through the use of drivers' driving data collected through telematics devices, it is possible to quantify customers' risk in real time. This data allows insurance companies to set rates appropriate to each customer's driving profile. With detailed risk analysis, prudent drivers can be rewarded with lower rates, thus incentivizing responsible and safe driving behavior. In addition, this innovation can support coaching actions, helping drivers adopt responsible behavior with a significant impact on traffic accident prevention, thus contributing to greater road safety and positive social impact.
  1. There is also an objective advantage in Demand Management. Process automation based on customer data enables more efficient insurance claims management. With the integration of AI and automation, it is possible to automate the prioritization of claims based on importance and automatically approve those that are simple and well documented. This not only speeds up the claims handling process, but also improves customer satisfaction by reducing waiting time and simplifying the claims process. However, I always emphasize that automation does not completely replace human involvement, but complements it. Claims evaluation and approval can be supported by AI systems, but human oversight is always needed to ensure accurate analysis and make appropriate decisions.
  1. A third winning use case? Certainly that, in the long run, of customer retention: the use of customer behavioral data makes it possible to identify the likelihood that a customer will switch to competitors. The information gathered can be used to reach at-risk customers and provide them with personalized offers. Through targeted marketing strategies and appropriate incentives, insurance companies can actively work to retain acquired customers, thereby improving retention and reducing churn rates. However, never forget that an ethical and responsible approach to the use of customer data is always a priority: it is mandatory to respect customer privacy and ensure the security of personal information.
  1. Then there is a fourth use case I would like to mention: the use of integrated Insurance Telematics for fraud detection. The fight against fraud is a common challenge in both the banking and insurance sectors. The use of AI-based predictive models enables insurance companies to estimate the probability that a claim is fraudulent. These claims can be targeted for further investigation, thereby reducing losses caused by fraudulent behavior. Automation of fraud detection processes helps prevent and counter fraud attempts, ensuring greater reliability and integrity in the insurance industry. As with the previous point, fraud detection must be balanced with the protection of customer privacy. Insurance companies must ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and ensure that they use customer information only for legitimate and legal purposes, such as fraud prevention.

Thank you Marco! A truly comprehensive review that shines a spotlight on several aspects of Smart Mobility that are absolutely effective for companies wishing to access integrated and innovative technology solutions. One last suggestion for those who will read this interview?

My dispassionate suggestion, for anyone who feels like embarking on a path of business innovation, is to contact us. At Frontiere, we are constantly working to facilitate access to innovations in all market sectors and, therefore, to innovative business models. It is the principle that has always guided our research and development and that makes our approach to smart mobility and risk management in the insurance industry disruptive.

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