GenAI tool aims to streamline public sector processes

Editorial staff
GenAI tool aims to streamline public sector processes

Authorium, a cloud-based technology platform that automates and improves complex government processes, has unveiled a product that leverages generative AI to enable government teams to author high-quality statements of work (SOWS). In addition, it has announced it has secured a further $8m in funding and has opened an office in Washington DC. Strategic initiatives The additional $8m will be used to fast-track strategic initiatives including new hires across the US, continuing research and development, and a national rollout of the public benefit corporation’s newest products. Meanwhile, the new released product…

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Partnership drives deployment of autonomous fleets at scale

Editorial staff
Partnership drives deployment of autonomous fleets at scale

Applied EV, an autonomous vehicle technology provider, and Oxa, a pioneer in self-driving software, have announced a strategic partnership to help enable the commercial deployment of autonomous fleets at scale. Expanding on their existing partnership, this new agreement combines Applied EV’s expertise in secure, software-defined vehicle platforms with Oxa’s self-driving software, to deliver an immediate turnkey solution that equips fleet operators with the necessary tools to integrate autonomy into their operations today. Resilient, future-ready operations As commercial industries face challenges like driver shortages – which the partners reckon are set…

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Belfast provides glimpse of future tourism

Editorial staff
Belfast provides glimpse of future tourism

The council’s innovation team hosted an event showing how immersive technologies, including AR and VR, could enhance visitor attractions of the future. Belfast City Council’s City Innovation team has been demonstrating how immersive technologies, including augmented-, virtual-, and mixed reality (AR, VR and MR), could shape future tourism. The team brought expert speakers, businesses and policymakers together to get a first look at proof-of-concept designs for visitor-led tourism experiences, and to gain the latest insights into how immersive technologies could enhance visitor attractions of the future, including Belfast Stories. Augment…

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Suzuki taps Soracom for IoT airtime in new industrial robots

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Suzuki taps Soracom for IoT airtime in new industrial robots

KDDI-owned virtual network operator (MVNO) Soracom is working with vehicle and mobility manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corporation to commercialize electric wheelchair technology in industrial robots. The pair have a proof-of-concept (PoC), they say, that combines Soracom’s IoT airtime with autonomous driving and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in a new family of industrial robots for logistics, manufacturing, construction, and other disciplines. Other partner technologies are also being deployed, said a press note. Suzuki has developed a new “versatile” micro e-mobility platform that uses its mobility technology in electric wheelchairs, developed over a…

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Connecticut to deploy Voltpost lamppost EV chargers

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Connecticut to deploy Voltpost lamppost EV chargers

Lamppost EV charging company Voltpost has been selected by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (Pura) in Connecticut to deploy its modular lamppost retrofit electric vehicle (EV) charging platform, helping to contribute to the state’s electrification goals. The contract includes an 18-month project to demonstrate the feasibility of the Voltpost charging platform, including in territories serviced by two leading regional electric distribution companies (EDCs), Eversource and United Illuminating (UI). EV charging infrastructure According to state authorities, there is a significant need for EV charging infrastructure across Connecticut. While 100 per cent…

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Paris to kick-off Volocopter eVTol operations in France

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Paris to kick-off Volocopter eVTol operations in France

Urban air mobility (UAM) company Volocopter and passenger flight services company Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services have signed an agreement to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTol) aircraft services to France. The services are set to begin in Paris, where European and French authorities have an established and approved network of eVTol flight routes and infrastructure. VoloCity eVol aircraft This long-term agreement covers the initial delivery of two VoloCity eVol aircraft after it is certified under the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA). In addition, Volocopter will contribute its expertise…

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Europe’s transport networks don’t reflect society

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Europe’s transport networks don’t reflect society

Europe’s transport networks are designed for a narrow demographic: typically, men aged 25 to 45, who work traditional 9-to-5 jobs, have no care responsibilities, and speak the local language, reveals a report. EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, has released its latest report, Better Mobility Trend report, in collaboration with Impact Hub Vienna and Point&. Future of mobility The study is based on insights from over 300 startups and 100 industry and academic experts across Europe…

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Cities seek $86bn for climate infrastructure projects

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Cities seek $86bn for climate infrastructure projects

The 2024 Global Snapshot, developed in partnership with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), reveals that 611 cities across 75 countries have disclosed 2,508 climate-related projects through CDP-ICLEI Track in 2024, with a total investment requirement of $86bn. According to CDP, demand for climate finance in cities is increasing year-on-year as reported investment needs surged by 23 per cent in 2024. However, this remains only a fraction of the $800bn in annual public investment from national governments and development finance institutions required by 2030, as highlighted…

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South Korean helicopter operator pre-orders 20 eVTol aircraft

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South Korean helicopter operator pre-orders 20 eVTol aircraft

South Korean helicopter operator Moviation has pre-ordered 20 30-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTol) aircraft from UK-based developer Sora Aviation. Moviation currently operates Jamsil Heliport, a hub for air mobility in Seoul, making it an ideal launch point for future S-1 operations in Seoul. Urban air mobility The two organisations have also signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore the deployment of the S-1 aircraft in South Korea, beginning with three key routes:​ Jamsil Heliport to Incheon Airport Yeouido financial district to Incheon Airport Jamsil Heliport to Sejong…

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Can HyperloopTT transform port logistics?

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Can HyperloopTT transform port logistics

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) has completed the world’s first HyperPort feasibility study in Brazil. The study was undertaken in collaboration with Brazilian port logistics company EGA Group and LabTrans at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). Sustainable transport system HyperloopTT is an innovation company dedicated to developing the hyperloop, a high-speed, sustainable transportation system. The study reveals the potential transformative impact of the HyperPort system to meet Brazil’s growing shipping demands while promoting sustainable economic growth. “This is another historic milestone for HyperloopTT,” said HyperloopTT CEO, Andrés de León.…

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Netmore launches Metering-as-a-Service offering

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Netmore launches Metering-as-a-Service offering

Global Internet of Things (IoT) operator Netmore aims to accelerate smart metering for water and gas utilities with its Metering-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering. The service eliminates upfront costs and helps utilities modernise more quickly and affordably by providing an alternative to traditional capex-heavy advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployments. Sustainability and efficiency issues Netmore is experienced in rapidly deploying networks in regions around the world. MaaS enables utilities to redirect their focus from meter-related concerns to critical sustainability and efficiency issues.. Read more: smartcitiesworld.net

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Toronto to deploy AI-powered video enforcement on streetcars

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Toronto to deploy AI-powered video enforcement on streetcars

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has awarded Gatekeeper its automated streetcar enforcement system (ASES) pilot contract. The company will deploy its proprietary AI-assisted video analytics for incident detection, licence plate capture, and automated ticket processing. ASES is a video-based evidence capture and automated ticketing solution for enforcement of motorists that fail to stop for streetcars when the passenger doors are open. Automatic enforcement The ASES pilot contract is for initial deployment on four streetcars and is valued at approximately $460,000. The TTC operates streetcar routes in mixed-traffic conditions and certain stops…

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Germany to build zero energy bills neighbourhood

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Germany to build zero energy bills neighbourhood

Octopus Energy is enabling Germany’s first 100 per cent ‘Zero Bills’ neighbourhood in Schramberg, Baden-Württember. It follows the launch of Germany’s first Zero Bills home last July. Germany is one of three countries, along with the UK and New Zealand, where Octopus Energy has introduced the tariff. Green energy technology The Schramberg development will offer residents a future free from energy bills for at least six years with each of the 24 homes powered by green technology, including solar panels, heat pumps and batteries. Construction of the development is set…

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Copenhagen Helicopter and Crisalion team to progress advanced air mobility

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Copenhagen Helicopter and Crisalion team to progress advanced air mobility

Spanish electric mobility company Crisalion Mobility has signed a strategic agreement with Copenhagen Helicopter to promote advanced air mobility (AAM) in Denmark. The two companies will develop plans for passenger and cargo transport solutions, as well as the management of infrastructure to facilitate the upcoming AAM services in the air and on the ground. eVTol operations One of the main focuses of this collaboration will be to analyse the feasibility of future electric vehicle take-off and landing (eVTol) operations between the island of Funen in Denmark and some of the…

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Connected Colorado Challenge announces winners

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Connected Colorado Challenge announces winners

Companies developing autonomous maintenance robots and visitor traffic analysis pattern technology have been named as the winners of the most recent Connected Colorado (C²) Challenge. Snowbotix and CityData.ai have earned the chance to implement their innovations with the City of Colorado Springs. Colorado Smart Cities Alliance The Challenge, run annually by the non-profit Colorado Smart Cities Alliance, creates a streamlined pathway for global innovators to connect with Colorado’s state and local governments, helping jurisdictions discover, evaluate and acquire breakthrough solutions. The 2024 C² Challenge, which launched in June of last…

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