AI & Data Strategy
We offer companies new market opportunities through the use of cutting-edge technologies and AI-based data analysis processes.
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.
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.
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;
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By 2050, about 75% of the world's population will residein cities, leading to a significant increase in urban density: this transition brings with it crucial challenges in terms of urban management and urban decay. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play a crucial role in monitoring and improving the quality of urban life.
Often perceived as an abstraction relegated to research labs or sensationalist headlines, artificial intelligence (AI) is actually an increasingly tangible and influential presence in the daily fabric of our lives. Let's talk not only about technology, but how it shapes our cities and neighborhoods, concretely improving the quality of urban life day after day. Take, for example, the problem of urban decay-a complex challenge that requires accurate data collection and analysis to be effectively managed. AI gives us advanced tools to measure, monitor and respond to the needs of the urban environment, demonstrating that its application can be as practical as it is revolutionary.
With the expected increase in urban population, problems related to urban decay will be inevitable: cities will become more densely populated and the complexity of management and social problems will inevitably grow. Density can exacerbate problems such as congestion, infrastructure maintenance, and access to essential services, making effective management essential.
A recent study conducted by the University of Notre Dame and Stanford University illustrated how AI can be used to address these challenges. The researchers developed a machine learning-based method to map urban decay in three model cities-San Francisco, Mexico City and South Bend, Indiana.
Using the YOLOv5 AI model, the researchers analyzed thousands of images from Google Street View to identify visible signs of urban decay: potholes, graffiti, trash, curtains, broken bars or windows, discolored or dilapidated facades, and weeds. This approach allows detailed mapping and monitoring of changes over time, providing a valuable database for urban planning.
In analyzing images collected from the same urban contexts, AI technology demonstrates its ability to identify the incidence of urban decay with spatial and temporal accuracy. This detailed analysis makes it possible to recognize specific factors of degradation in different neighborhoods, thus providing urban planners and policy makers with the tools they need to intervene effectively. The elements identified by AI can then be prioritized in maintenance and improvement activities, with the goal of elevating the quality of urban life. Through this information, targeted strategies can be developed to transform degraded urban spaces into livable and welcoming environments, contributing significantly to the well-being of citizens.
Accuracy
Artificial Intelligence technology enables the identification and tracking of urban decay with high accuracy. Using advanced analytics on continuous images over time, AI is able to detect both small variations and long-term degradation trends, ensuring detailed and reliable monitoring of urban conditions.
Proactivity
The ability to predict and identify signs of degradation before they become major problems is one of the main advantages of AI. This proactivity allows administrations to act early, preventing the escalation of degradation and keeping the quality of the urban environment high.
Data-driven planning
The use of real, up-to-date data greatly improves the effectiveness of urban planning. Decisions based on sound data analysis enable optimization of resource allocation and implementation of public policies aimed at solving the most pressing problems.
Scalability
AI methods can be applied on a large scale, covering entire cities or even regions, without requiring a commensurate increase in human and financial resources. This makes AI an extremely efficient tool for urban land monitoring and management, adaptable to different contexts and city sizes.
Despite the obvious benefits, the use of Artificial Intelligence in urban management also raises some significant concerns. Privacy is a major ethical issue: the continuous collection of large volumes of data through cameras and sensors raises questions about how this data is used and who can access it. In addition, the reliability of collected data is crucial; errors or bias in the data can lead to incorrect decisions that could negatively affect entire communities.
However, the implementation of AI in city management promises to revolutionize the way we deal with urban problems. As technology evolves, our ability to manage urban challenges will also grow, allowing us to create more livable and sustainable urban environments. Research from Notre Dame and Stanford is a promising example of how AI can be used to significantly improve the quality of the urban environment and, consequently, the well-being of its inhabitants.
With studies like this, published in journals such as Scientific Reports, we are shaping a future in which technology and innovation drive the continuous improvement of our cities.
If you would like more information about the potential and applications of Artificial Intelligence in the context of city management and the urban challenges of the future, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.
Climate change and infrastructure deficiencies in water networks are causing a growing and alarming water scarcity worldwide. In Italy alone, water losses due to infrastructure issues reach significant levels, estimated at 156 liters per day per inhabitant: an amount sufficient to cover the water needs of about 44 million people annually. This means that actual water consumption is double what is truly necessary, precisely due to such leaks.
Currently, over two billion people live in water-stressed areas, and 45% of the world's population, around 3.4 billion people, lacks access to safe sanitation facilities. Independent estimates indicate that by 2030, the world will face a global water shortage of 40%, further complicated by challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change.
Water is vital for life and the prosperity of communities, but water infrastructure often faces challenges and problems that compromise its supply, both in terms of quantity and quality and hygiene. In this scenario, the Internet of Things (IoT) is emerging as a transformative force, presenting innovative solutions for the monitoring, management, and optimization of water resources.
Water networks often span vast geographic areas, making it challenging to promptly identify any infrastructure problems. IoT enables the implementation of smart sensors along water pipelines capable of detecting anomalies such as leaks, corrosion, or structural failures. Real-time data allows operators to intervene promptly, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity in water supply. Traditional network surveillance meter by meter is costly, and traditional forecasting is no longer sufficient.
New technologies allow for real-time analysis of data from sensors and vibraphones installed along water networks, capable of capturing any variations in predominant frequencies and indicating the presence of breaks.
The qualitative aspect of water is also a crucial concern. IoT offers advanced tools for constant monitoring of key parameters, such as the presence of contaminants or water temperature. In case of deviations from acceptable levels, IoT systems can send immediate alerts, allowing operators to take timely corrective measures. This level of monitoring ensures that the water reaching homes is always safe and compliant with quality standards.
Efficient water resource management is essential to address challenges related to growing demand and climate variations. Thanks to IoT, it is possible to implement intelligent management systems that optimize water use. Flow sensors and remote control devices allow for identifying and resolving waste, adjusting distribution based on actual demand, and predicting consumption peaks.
New technologies represent a significant breakthrough in the water sector, enabling a more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable global water management: an indispensable ally to collectively overcome one of the most critical challenges of our time.
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.
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 cities in Europe are implementing a wide range of innovative solutions to address urban challenges. Here are some examples of use cases:
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.
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.
Smart cities in Europe have a promising future for the next 20 years. Some of the prospects include:
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.
