India Drone (UAV) Technology Innovation: Key Trends, Growth Drivers and Opportunities Introduction to India Drone (UAV) Technology India Drone (UAV) technology has emerged as one of the country's fastest-growing innovation sectors, transforming industries through advanced aerial intelligence, automation, and data-driven operations. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are increasingly being deployed across agriculture, infrastructure inspection, defense, logistics, mining, healthcare, disaster management, and public safety. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, AI-powered analytics, GPS navigation, LiDAR sensors, thermal imaging, and real-time communication systems, modern drones enable faster, safer, and more cost-effective operations than traditional methods. Government initiatives such as the Drone Rules 2021, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, and Digital Sky platform have accelerated domestic manufacturing and commercial adoption. As artificial intelligence, IoT, cloud computing, and autonomous flight technologies continue to evolve, India Drone (UAV) technology is becoming a strategic enabler of digital transformation, creating new opportunities for businesses while strengthening national security and economic growth. History of India Drone (UAV) Technology India's drone journey began primarily with military surveillance and defense applications, where unmanned systems were used for border monitoring, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering. Over the past decade, advancements in electronics, battery technology, navigation systems, and communication networks significantly expanded drone capabilities beyond defense. The launch of Startup India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives encouraged domestic drone manufacturing and innovation. A major milestone came with the introduction of Drone Rules 2021, which simplified regulations, promoted commercial drone operations, and supported indigenous production. Since then, drones have rapidly entered agriculture, infrastructure inspection, urban planning, logistics, emergency response, and industrial monitoring. Today, India has developed a vibrant UAV ecosystem supported by startups, technology companies, research institutions, and government agencies working together to advance autonomous aerial technologies. Benefits of India Drone (UAV) Technology India Drone (UAV) technology delivers numerous advantages
Aug 6, 2026 · via marketsandmarkets.com
NUMO Helps Build Thriving, Resilient Cities in the US With “Community Connectors” Program August 6, 2026 – From 2023 to 2025, NUMO, the New Urban Mobility Alliance, hosted by WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, collaborated with 15 communities in small and midsize cities across the United States as a partner in the Community Connectors program. The collaboration advanced efforts to repair the harm caused by highways and other transportation infrastructure often routed through marginalized communities. Through capacity-building grants and two years of technical assistance, the Community Connectors program supported diverse grassroots coalitions to address health, economic, mobility and other challenges in these communities. The program was led by Smart Growth America, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and implemented in collaboration with Horizon 54 (formerly Equitable Cities) and America Walks. It resulted in communities raising $150 million to build stronger community governance in cities affected by divisive transportation infrastructure. Using the “Good Start Approach,” NUMO supported community-government coalitions in acknowledging past harms, building trust and developing shared values and a shared vision. After coalitions in each community defined their scopes of work, capacity-building grants were provided directly, allowing them to build social and civic community power in ways that best responded to their local context. Technical assistance emphasized equity, including anti-displacement strategies and equity-centered land-use analysis. The Community Connectors program was designed to change how transportation infrastructure is planned. It does this by acknowledging how past infrastructure decisions disproportionately affected communities of color and centering community needs, voices and leadership. Communities with a history of displacement and those that continue to experience the impacts of living adjacent to highways were prioritized. These impacts include increased air and noise pollution, higher rates of pedestrian injuries and fatalities, reduced access to jobs and amenities and lower home values. In 15
Aug 6, 2026 · via wri.org
This opinion piece provides insights into some of the key themes emerging from from Omdia Market Radar: E2E Private 5G Network Vendors 2026 Email Article All set! This article has been sent to my@email.address. All fields are required. For multiple recipients, separate email addresses with a semicolon. Please Note: Only individuals with an active subscription will be able to access the full article. All other readers will be directed to the abstract and would need to subscribe. These are Omdia driven recommendations based on content that is both similar, and has been frequently visited by other users in combination with the content you are currently viewing. Omdia Recommends These are Omdia driven recommendations based on content that is both similar, and has been frequently visited by other users in combination with the content you are currently viewing. Omdia Market Radar: E2E Private 5G Network Vendors 2026 Vendor Assessment / 29 Jul 2026 / Pablo Tomasi In this 2026 Market Radar, Omdia provides the competitive assessment of 9 leading end-to-end private 5G network vendors: AsiaInfo, Celona, Globalstar, Ericsson, HPE, Huawei, Nokia, Samsung, and ZTE. Private 5G and Edge Convergence in Industrial Markets: Must-Haves for Success Report / 03 Nov 2025 / Pablo Tomasi This report discusses the current state of private networks and edge in industrial markets. It also explores the impact of AI and the roles providers should adopt to succeed in these markets. Private 5G And Wi-Fi: Strategies, Competition, and Innovation Report / 28 Dec 2024 / Pablo Tomasi This report provides insights on the relationship between Wi-Fi and private 5G. It discusses why these technologies are converging, areas of overlap and influence, and GTM strategies. Private 5G in Manufacturing: Using 5G to Reduce Downtime Annual Report / 04 Nov 2024 / Katelyn Galer This report is part of
Aug 6, 2026 · via omdia.tech.informa.com
Human+AI Selection Day: new solutions for the cities of the future
Twelve selected startups will begin the acceleration programme in September 2026.
Last update:
16 luglio 2026 - 12:11 CET
Human+AI is an intensive training and development programme designed to help innovative companies relate their entrepreneurial vision to urban impact and real development opportunities.
On 15 July, 12 innovative companies were chosen on the Selection Day to begin an ambitious acceleration programme at SmartCityLab Milan.
The programme aims to develop new solutions for the cities of tomorrow.
The second edition, of which Joule is a partner, began in May 2026 and will conclude on 3 December with Celebration Day, the programme's final event.
The programme is designed to strengthen the strategic and operational foundations of startups, encourage discussion with investors, corporations and partners, prepare projects for market entry and stimulate collaboration between startups and the Smart City Lab Milan ecosystem.
Startups will have access to vertical training, expert mentoring, networking sessions and meetings with investors and corporations.
Aug 6, 2026 · via eni.com
The global market for Variable Frequency Drive is anticipated to grow continuously in the coming years due to the increasing adoption of energy efficient motor control systems by industries. According to a recent study by SNS Insider, the global Variable Frequency Drive Market size valued at USD 27.31 billion in 2025, is anticipated to grow to USD 45.60 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 5.26% over the 2026–2035 forecast period. This market is also gaining from the growing trend of industrial automation and the adoption of digital transformation strategies in various industries. Companies are adopting advanced variable frequency drives (VFDs) for improving the performance of equipment while saving power. Further development of technologies such as IoT-based monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smart motor control technologies is helping boost demand from the market. With companies adopting modern production technologies and focusing on sustainable production, the use of VFDs is expanding in all sectors. To Get Detailed Insights on the Variable Frequency Drive Market – Request a Sample Report Energy-Efficient Industrial Modernization Creates New Growth Opportunities The global drive to become more energy efficient and cut down carbon emissions is making firms consider smart motor control options. By controlling the speed of operation of the equipment according to the current demands, variable frequency drives ensure that firms do not use excess energy. The global initiatives for increased energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions are prompting companies to embrace intelligent motor control technology. Variable frequency drives enable equipment to run at an optimal speed depending on the demand, thus saving companies from using excess energy and prolonging the life of the equipment. Higher investments in water treatment facilities, renewable energy initiatives, smart buildings, and transport infrastructures are predicted to drive the demand for advanced drive systems even more during the forecast period.
Aug 6, 2026 · via snsinsider.com
Srinagar, Aug 06 (KNO): The Union government on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that 282 Smart City projects were taken up in Jammu and Srinagar und.er the Smart Cities Mission. Of these, 125 out of 127 projects in Jammu and 157 out of 161 projects in Srinagar have been completed, reflecting an overall completion rate of over 97 per cent. Replying to a question raised by MPs Malvika Devi and Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal said the Smart Cities Mission has achieved significant progress across the country, with 7,790 of 8,064 projects, worth ₹1.56 lakh crore, completed as on March 31, 2026. The Minister said all 100 Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) have also been established. According to the city-wise data placed before Parliament, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Jammu Smart City has undertaken 127 projects worth ₹2,969 crore, of which 125 projects worth ₹2,940 crore have been completed. Similarly, Srinagar Smart City has taken up 161 projects with a total cost of ₹3,634 crore, while 157 projects worth ₹3,532 crore have been completed. The minister informed the House that the Smart Cities Mission concluded on March 31, 2025, and the Ministry has directed States and Union Territories to ensure timely completion of the remaining projects and prepare operation and maintenance plans for assets created under the Mission. He said the Ministry monitored implementation through a multi-level mechanism, including the Apex Committee at the national level, High-Powered Steering Committees in States and Union Territories, and Smart City Advisory Forums at the city level, besides using the Geo Spatial Management Information System (GMIS) portal for tracking physical and financial progress. The minister further said there is no proposal under consideration to expand the Smart Cities Mission, but the technological interventions,
Aug 6, 2026 · via kashmirnewsobserver.com
Hanoi (VNA) - The National Assembly (NA) on August 6 looked into the Government's proposals and verification reports on the establishment of Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh as centrally-run cities, as part of the 16th NA’s first extraordinary session. The documents were presented under the chairmanship of NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man, with NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh presiding over the session. Presenting the Government’s proposals, Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Tien Hai said Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh have become among Vietnam’s leading economic localities by capitalising on their geographical advantages and development potential, playing an increasingly important role in the Red River Delta, the northern region and the national economy. Quang Ninh city will be established on the basis of the current provincial boundaries, with no changes to its natural area, population or commune-level administrative units. The new centrally-run city will cover 6,231.27 sq.km, have a population of 1.52 million, and comprise 54 commune-level administrative units, including 30 wards, 22 communes and two special zones. Bac Ninh city will also be formed on the basis of the existing provincial boundaries. It will have a natural area of 4,713.75 sq.km, a population of nearly 3.99 million, and 99 commune-level administrative units, including 45 wards and 54 communes. Hai said both localities satisfy all five conditions under the 2025 Law on the Organisation of Local Administration and meet all seven criteria for establishing centrally-run cities under the National Assembly Standing Committee’s Resolution No. 112/2025. Chairman of the NA Committee for Legal and Judicial Affairs Phan Chi Hieu said the committee recommended the legislature to adopt separate resolutions on the establishment of Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh cities. The committee also proposed the Government direct the two localities to complete organisational restructuring and administrative preparations to ensure the smooth operation
Aug 6, 2026 · via en.vietnamplus.vn
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Aug 6, 2026 · via youtube.com
As more cities expand AI and digital technology into government services, resident expectations are outpacing their ability to keep up. A new analysis of the world’s largest cities found “a striking pattern” of cities that are embedding AI into services delivering faster and better resident outcomes. The 2026 Intelligent Cities Index report from the Boston Consulting Group ranked large “intelligent” cities based on their technology outcomes, strategy, app usage and engagement, governance and partnerships, and infrastructure or funding that enables access and usage. It then grouped them into four levels by assigning scores to each category, which the report named leading, accelerating, emerging and developing. Eight U.S. cities made the global list, comprised of 61 cities from 39 countries. London, Dubai, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Amsterdam topped the list. Here’s how the eight U.S. cities stacked up against one another: Cities exhibiting stronger “government readiness” for AI tended to deploy more AI, according to the report. However, a city’s level of readiness did not necessarily determine success. “Some high-readiness cities still move slower in turning capability into action, while several cities with modest readiness manage to drive meaningful deployment,” according to BCG. Cities where residents actively use or have a positive view of AI tend to have more positive sentiments concerning its use. “Cities whose residents use smart city apps more frequently also tend to score higher on satisfaction,” BCG states. Some recent surveys show public support for AI use in local government remains lacking. “Adoption” scored the highest of any domain in the BCG index, signaling that more cities around the globe are embracing AI and other technologies such as resident-oriented e-government portals, digital platforms and smart city apps. The most “mature” intelligent cities do several things well, according to the report. “They have achieved strong ecosystem
Aug 6, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
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Aug 6, 2026 · via youtube.com
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 August 2026 - The World Council on City Data (WCCD) has officially awarded Vinhomes Green Paradise - Can Gio the InterimCustom ISO 37122Smart CityCertification. This milestone marks another significant step in Vinhomes Green Paradise's journey toward becoming the first mega urban development in Vietnam to achieve an internationally recognized smart city certification, setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban development on a global scale. The certification recognizes the substantial progress Vinhomes Green Paradise has made in advancing its smart city development in alignment with international standards. WCCD acknowledged that the project has achieved remarkable progress in its design, planning, and development strategy. This WCCD Certification serves as an important foundation for the project as it advances toward Full Certification upon commencement of operations. The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by the WCCD and based upon the customized indicators framework WCCD specifically developed for greenfield development projects. The framework incorporates the core principles of ISO 37122, one of the world's most respected international standards for measuring and evaluating smart city performance. Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director of Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM), stated: "This WCCD InterimCustom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification recognizes Vinhomes' long-term vision and commitment to developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready urban model. The Vinhomes Green Paradise - Can Gio urban development project is now equipped with a powerful baseline of data designed to propel success, providing a strong foundation for year-over-year monitoring of development goals in smart urban governance, infrastructure development, technology adoption and sustainability, ensuring Full ISO 37122 Certification once operations commence. We congratulate Vinhomes on this important certification milestone, a global first, setting a new precedent for
Aug 6, 2026 · via vir.com.vn
IPOH: By day, Vivian Foong is a property agent. By night, the 33-year-old gives free tuition to children at The Salvation Army’s Children Home here. This is something she has been doing since July 2024. “I saw a banner outside the home looking for a tutor and decided to volunteer for it. “Before becoming a property agent, I had worked at a daycare centre for about two years and have some experience with children,” she said when met recently. “After visiting the home and learning about the children’s background, I felt it was a good opportunity to give something back to the community,” she added. Foong currently teaches about 35 children at the home on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday every week. “I will help them with their homework first before giving them tuition on Mathematics, English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. “Apart from academic subjects, I also guide them on soft skills,” she said. “I teach them the importance of having manners, self-love, self-respect and communication skills. “I also encourage the children to help each other, with the spirit of teamwork, something I’ve learnt at my workplace,” she added. The home is not just a shelter for children who have experienced abandonment, neglect, abuse or family crisis, it also provides a safe and nurturing environment offering holistic education and emotional skills, giving them hope for a brighter future. Prior to the tuition sessions, some of the children were struggling in their studies. “I am glad that the children are attentive during my classes and are well-behaved. “When I first started, some of the Year Four kids didn’t even know how to pronounce basic Bahasa words, but they’ve improved a lot since then,” she said. “The home’s manager updates me on their report cards, and their academic results have been getting
Aug 6, 2026 · via thestar.com.my
The Pollinator District framework is a community planning model that integrates pollinator habitat, native landscaping, sustainable design, research and public education into real estate development to support bees, butterflies and other critical species. — By Kyle Harris Across North America, pollinator populations are in decline. Scientists continue to document the threat to bees, butterflies and other pollinators that support ecosystems, biodiversity and food production. A 2025 NatureServe-led study found that more than 22% of native North American pollinators are at elevated risk of extinction, based on an assessment of nearly 1,600 species, including bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flower flies, bats and hummingbirds. Separately, US beekeepers reported losing an estimated 55.6% of managed honey bee colonies between April 2024 and April 2025 – the highest annual loss rate recorded since national tracking began in 2010–2011. The stakes extend far beyond pollinators themselves. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, at least in part, on animal pollination. More than 75% of the world’s food crop types benefit from pollinators; they are responsible for producing many of the fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that support both human nutrition and ecosystem health. Researchers estimate the global economic value of pollination services exceeds US$235 billion annually, highlighting the importance of pollinator health not only to biodiversity, but also to food security and agricultural productivity. Habitat loss and fragmentation remain among the leading drivers of pollinator decline, alongside pesticide exposure, disease and climate change. As natural landscapes are converted into roads, neighborhoods, commercial centers and other forms of development, pollinators lose access to the connected habitat they need to survive. Food sources become fragmented. Nesting opportunities disappear. The conventional response has largely focused on conservation. Protect more land. Restore more habitat. Preserve
Aug 5, 2026 · via earth.org
Growth Opportunities in the C-UAV Market for Security Integrators and Defense Contractors Introduction to the Counter UAV Market The rapid expansion of commercial and military unmanned aerial vehicles has fundamentally changed the global security landscape. While drones continue to improve operational efficiency across logistics, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and emergency response, they have also introduced significant risks involving unauthorized surveillance, cyber intrusions, smuggling, terrorism, and attacks on critical infrastructure. As a result, Counter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C UAV) technologies have become one of the fastest growing segments within the global defense and security industry. For security integrators and defense contractors, the Counter UAV market presents substantial business opportunities. Modern organizations require complete airspace security solutions rather than standalone drone detection products. This demand is driving investments in integrated systems that combine artificial intelligence, radar, electro optical sensors, infrared imaging, electronic warfare, radio frequency monitoring, cyber protection, and autonomous command and control platforms capable of delivering continuous situational awareness and rapid threat response. Evolution of Counter UAV Solutions Counter UAV technologies have evolved from basic radar detection and radio frequency jamming into highly sophisticated multi layer defense ecosystems. Early systems primarily focused on identifying drones entering protected airspace but offered limited capabilities against autonomous drones, low altitude flights, or coordinated swarm attacks. Today, security integrators deploy comprehensive Counter UAV architectures that combine multi sensor fusion, artificial intelligence based target recognition, electronic attack systems, autonomous decision support, and centralized command platforms. This transformation creates significant opportunities for companies capable of integrating multiple technologies into scalable security solutions. Benefits of Counter UAV Solutions for Security Integrators and Defense Contractors Modern Counter UAV technologies provide significant advantages for both technology providers and end users. - Expanded Service Offerings: Integrators can deliver complete airspace security solutions instead of standalone surveillance systems. - Recurring Revenue Opportunities: Software
Aug 5, 2026 · via marketsandmarkets.com
Parks, yards, street plantings and urban forests play a significant but still underused role in mitigating climate change. Beyond storing carbon, they cool cities, manage stormwater, increase biodiversity and support people's wellbeing.
Over the course of the multi-year CO-CARBON project, researchers have examined the climate benefits of urban greenery and developed solutions for using it more effectively. Published on 20 May,
"It's great that research-based knowledge on the carbon sequestration and cooling effects of urban greenery can be put to concrete use for climate and nature goals," says
Carbon-wise choices span city planning and home gardens
The handbook's key message is that being carbon-wise is not just a matter of strategy – it plays out just as much in urban planning as it does in individual yards. Cities' carbon-neutrality goals require not only emission cuts but also stronger carbon sinks, and investing in urban greenery is a key means to that end, as well as an investment in a more pleasant living environment.
The handbook presents ways to make more effective use of urban greenery's potential as a cost-efficient, multi-benefit climate solution, and also covers methods for assessing carbon-wise practices.
The handbook was produced as part of the
Aug 5, 2026 · via helsinki.fi
Dive Brief: - Senate Republicans on Tuesday failed to agree on a reconciliation budget bill to fund the government until Dec. 11. The bill would extend transportation programs funded by the Highway Trust Fund at fiscal year 2026 levels but would not continue the advance appropriations provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. - The proposed bill would reduce public transit investment 20% and passenger rail by 83% from current levels, according to the American Public Transportation Association. - Leaving out the advance appropriations would “immediately disrupt and delay ongoing planning, engineering, and construction of surface transportation projects across the nation,” APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas said in a July 31 letter to House and Senate leaders. Dive Insight: Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said at a Tuesday press conference that “we intend to accomplish” funding the government “between now and the end of this week, or however long we’re here.” However, it won’t be easy to pass the reconciliation package, which may include amendments opposed by some Republican and Democratic senators, according to The Hill. Thune said he wants to get a funding package done before the FY 2026 budget expires on Sept. 30 to avoid another government shutdown, but the proposed reconciliation bill raised warning flags from some transportation advocates. “States, transit agencies, and local communities are already suffering from instability caused by the White House’s politically motivated grant cancellations and delays,” Union of Concerned Scientists Clean Transportation Program Director Steven Higashide said Tuesday in an emailed statement. “The cuts codified in this bill would further reduce their ability to plan and build long-term.” Others favored the short-term funding package for surface transportation. The American Traffic Safety Services Association said the extension is “a necessary measure” to keep critical roadway safety programs going. “But an
Aug 5, 2026 · via constructiondive.com
Nebius: How to Make AI Infrastructure Less Energy Intensive With investments in AI infrastructure going stratospheric, attentions are increasingly turning to the energy systems needed to support the next generation of data centres. For operators building facilities capable of handling ever-larger AI workloads, improving computational performance is only part of the equation. Reducing electricity demand, lowering water consumption and integrating sites with local energy networks are becoming equally important priorities. Nebius believes the answer lies in designing its AI cloud as a fully integrated system, combining servers, racks, cooling technologies and cloud software to maximise efficiency. The company's latest Sustainability Report outlines how this engineering-led approach is helping reduce the energy and resource intensity of its expanding global infrastructure while supporting rapid growth. Reducing electricity demand through integrated design With AI driving unprecedented growth in data centre electricity consumption, improving operational efficiency has become a central challenge for the sector. Nebius reports that its global data centre portfolio achieved an average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25 in 2025, comfortably below the reported global industry average of 1.54. According to the company, its combination of purpose-built hardware and advanced cooling technologies prevented around 102GWh of electricity consumption over the course of the year. Nebius says that figure is comparable to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 9,800 households in the US. "How AI is built matters just as much as what it enables," says Daria Mukhortova, Head of Sustainability at Nebius. "Our job is to clearly report the impact of increasing demand for AI, and to use the data to improve how we build. Since our inception, we have measured and reported our impact, because transparency is how we stay accountable as we scale." Rather than treating servers, racks and cooling systems as separate components, Nebius develops them together as
Aug 5, 2026 · via energydigital.com
Dubai ranks second globally in adoption of AI, intelligent technology DUBAI, 5th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Dubai is ranked second globally in the Intelligent Cities Index published by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which evaluated 61 cities across 39 countries. The ranking reaffirms Dubai's global leadership in harnessing advanced technologies and AI to enhance quality of life, elevate government services, and facilitate business, reflecting the emirate's success in building a human-centric, future-ready digital city. Published for the first time by Boston Consulting Group, the index evaluates the maturity of cities in deploying digital technologies and AI to deliver tangible outcomes for residents and businesses. It assesses 61 major cities across five key domains: Outcomes, Strategy, Adoption, Ways of Working, and Enablers, supported by 35 indicators covering 14 dimensions of digital transformation. Together, these provide a comprehensive assessment of how effectively cities leverage technology to drive sustainable development and strengthen their global competitiveness. The report stated that Dubai ranks first globally in the Adoption of AI technologies and smart city solutions, which recorded the strongest performance across the index's five domains. This reflects the emirate's extensive deployment of AI applications and smart digital services across multiple sectors. Dubai's strong performance in this area has contributed to one of the highest levels of digital maturity among the cities assessed, demonstrating its success in converting advanced technologies into practical services and solutions that generate measurable value for people and businesses. Commenting on the achievement, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said, "This outstanding global ranking reflects the success of our wise leadership's vision, which has established digital transformation and AI as strategic priorities for building a more efficient government and a future-ready city. Dubai's achievement is the result of an integrated digital ecosystem built on data, shared digital infrastructure, and
Aug 5, 2026 · via bignewsnetwork.com
South Korean design agency Second White developed VtoV 2000 in 2023 as a conceptual electric scooter proposal presented to Hyundai. Rather than introducing a production-ready vehicle, the unrealized project examines how the increasingly common kickboard could evolve into a safer and more credible component of future urban transportation. Electric scooters have become a familiar answer to the last-mile problem, offering an affordable and relatively low-impact alternative to cars and motorcycles for short journeys. Their rapid spread, however, has also introduced accidents, uncertain road etiquette, and pavements dotted with abandoned vehicles — convenience, it turns out, occasionally comes with handlebars. the concept explores a new direction for urban mobility | images courtesy of Second White A CONCEPT FOR MORE RESPONSIBLE MOBILITY VtoV 2000 responds to these contradictions by considering the scooter as part of a wider mobility system rather than as an isolated consumer object. Second White identifies usability and safety as essential areas for development if electric kickboards are to play a larger role in reducing congestion, limiting urban air pollution, and connecting different forms of public and private transport. The concept therefore focuses less on celebrating personal mobility as an end in itself and more on questioning how it might coexist with pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and the surrounding city. By addressing the social problems that have accompanied the scooter’s popularity, the proposal imagines a future in which the vehicle becomes more deliberate, dependable, and perhaps slightly less likely to appear sideways across an entrance. Second White imagines the electric scooter as part of a more integrated transport system SECOND WHITE SEARCHES FOR THE ESSENTIALS The project reflects Second White’s wider design philosophy, expressed through the studio’s slogan, ‘Only the Essentials.’ Working between product and graphic design, the agency looks for fundamental value amid the constant stream of information, technological
Aug 5, 2026 · via designboom.com
Dive Brief: - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills last month that update the state’s construction code to allow for single staircases in more multifamily buildings. - One bill increases the number of stories in buildings permitted to have a single staircase from three to four, while the other allows for single staircases in buildings with fewer than six stories that are served by an accredited fire department. - The reforms are expected to reduce construction costs by upwards of 10% and open up a more diverse range of housing options, according to a state press release. Dive Insight: More states and local governments are exploring building code reforms with the aim of making housing development faster and cheaper. Some housing advocates have painted single-staircase reform, an alternative to longstanding two-staircase requirements, as a way to unlock more “missing middle” housing — mid-size multifamily housing structures that are smaller than many apartment buildings but larger than single-family homes. In 2025, seven states enacted single-staircase reform measures. The debate over fire safety stemming from single-staircases continues, however. While some studies have shown single-staircase apartment buildings maintain strong records of fire safety, a March report from the California Office of the State Fire Marshal urged caution. “The presence of an additional exit is important for maintaining safety in the face of unforeseen failures, fire spread, or structural compromise,” the report stated.
Aug 5, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com