The Utah Department of Transportation awarded Econolite a contract to install lidar-based traffic management technology from digital sensor company Ouster at 160 intersections statewide. The contract builds on a 2025 agreement with Econolite covering more than 100 intersections. Utah aims to improve safety for vulnerable road users, which can include people walking, biking, on scooters or using wheelchairs. Ouster’s color lidar sensors can detect objects up to 500 feet away, across a 360-degree field of view, enabling real-time adjustment of traffic signals. Econolite provides the traffic control cabinets, signal controllers and related hardware and software, the company says. “Lidar can generate real-time detection, classification and tracking of pedestrians and cyclists,” Ouster Vice President of Global ITS Solutions Asad Lesani told Smart Cities Dive. UDOT manages over 1,300 traffic signals at freeway interchanges, along arterial roads and at intersections along state roads. In 2024, 883 crashes involving pedestrians occurred in the state, and 20% of pedestrian crashes across a six-year period resulted in fatal or serious outcomes, according to UDOT. Nearly 600 bicyclists were involved in roadway collisions in 2024, and nearly 150 people using skates, wheelchairs, scooters or other devices were involved in Utah traffic collisions. Among the issues UDOT wants to address is the timing of pedestrian walk signals and no-turn-on-red signals. Some pedestrians walk faster than others, while others are slower than a fixed-duration signal provides. With Ouster’s traffic management system, the signal can clear sooner or remain on longer as it views the pedestrian in real time, Lesani said. The system can also clear no-turn-on-red signals if no pedestrians are detected approaching or crossing the intersection. Lesani said Ouster has installed its traffic management systems in over 700 communities. For example, the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Center for Urban Informatics
Aug 19, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Shaping the Intelligence of Indian CitiesIndia’s urban landscape is undergoing a massive digital and structural evolution. Under national initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission—which completely overhauled 100 cities across the country with data-driven technologies—our urban spaces have transitioned from simple brick-and-mortar structures into advanced tech ecosystems. Today, a city like Bangalore doesn't just need physical roads; it requires AI-managed traffic grids, IoT-enabled groundwater sensors, and automated emergency systems. However, building a smart city requires more than just programmers; it demands dedicated urban planners who understand how to weave technology directly into the fabric of human lives..The demand for this specialized expertise is staggering. The apex public policy think tank, NITI Aayog, revealed in its landmark report, Reforms in Urban Planning Capacity in India, that there is an immediate requirement for 12,000 trained planners to manage India’s rapid urban growth. Furthermore, the committee noted that state town and country planning departments are facing massive vacancy shortages as high as 42%. To bridge this gap, the report explicitly recommended creating an additional 8,268 lateral entry posts for town planners across the country.At Sir MV School of Architecture, our 5-Year Integrated M.Plan program (4 Years Bachelors + 1 Year Masters) directly addresses this national shortfall. We train our undergraduates to master geospatial analytics, remote sensing, and smart mobility solutions from day one. By directly aligning our curriculum with NITI Aayog's call for capacity building, we are supplying India's Smart City agencies and local municipal bodies with the high-tech, professional workforce they drastically lack.
Aug 19, 2026 · via deccanherald.com
The Daegu (South Korea) Technology and Innovation Showroom in Da Nang was officially launched at the Da Nang Startup and Innovation Support Center on August 18. The space serves not only as a venue to showcase signature technologies, products, and innovative solutions from Daegu—one of South Korea's leading industrial and technological hubs—but also as a bridge for businesses, research institutes, universities, and startup communities from both localities to strengthen connections, share expertise, transfer technology, promote investment, and expand markets. It aims to introduce Daegu’s advanced technological products and innovative solutions while fostering a deep cooperative environment among businesses, organizations, and research institutes from both cities. Also, it is expected to become a vital hub connecting businesses, startup support organizations, and regulatory agencies, thereby facilitating technology transfer, investment promotion, market connectivity, and the development of an internationally-oriented innovation ecosystem. In his welcoming remarks, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, Mr. Ho Quang Buu, said the city is determined to realize the goal of building "Da Nang - City of Innovation." He emphasized developing an open innovation ecosystem that connects strongly with leading global tech hubs to attract international resources, advanced technology, and innovative enterprises for investment and cooperation. The establishment of international collaboration spaces for science, technology, and innovation is a key policy implemented by the city to expand its global partnership network. On the sidelines of the launch ceremony, several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were exchanged between businesses from Da Nang and Daegu. The agreements open up numerous opportunities for product development, market expansion, investment attraction, and the implementation of innovation projects in the near future. As part of the program, representatives from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk ICT Association and the Da Nang Software Business Club shared insights on the potential for cooperation between the tech business communities of both
Aug 19, 2026 · via en.vneconomy.vn
August 19, 2026
The city of Charlotte, North Carolina, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 20 to mark the installation of the first interactive digital kiosk under its partnership with IKE Smart City, according to a press release. The kiosk, located at the corner of Beatties Ford Road and West Fifth Street, is part of a broader initiative to deploy interactive kiosks throughout the city, including its Corridors of Opportunity.
City officials and IKE Smart City representatives will attend the event and demonstrate the kiosk for attendees. Participants are expected to include Mayor Vi Lyles, City Council members, Charlotte Department of Transportation and Economic Development Department officials, and Randall Sistrunk, IKE Smart City's vice president of private and public partnerships. The kiosks are designed to provide digital information and services in public spaces.
Aug 19, 2026 · via kioskmarketplace.com
South Korea has long been recognised as a global leader in information technology. And today, its ITS solutions stand as a testament to this leadership. With decades of investment in smart infrastructure and transportation, Korea is now demonstrating a new wave of innovation through pioneering companies and demonstration programmes. These highlight the Asian nation’s vision for safer, greener, and more efficient mobility in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, Vehicle to Everything (V2X) and autonomous driving. By reducing congestion, improving safety, and lowering emissions, ITS technologies directly enhance quality of life for citizens. The country’s approach is not merely about adopting new technologies but about creating a holistic ecosystem where technology, policy, and everyday life converge to redefine how people and logistics move. At the core of Korea’s ITS ecosystem are companies that successfully merge cutting-edge digital solutions with practical applications for everyday transport. Real-time traffic prediction From advanced traffic management platforms to Al mobility services, Korean innovators are redefining how cities move. Numerous Korean companies in the field are deploying real-time traffic prediction systems that integrate big data analytics with cloud-based platforms. These enable municipalities to reduce congestion and improve commuter experiences. In addition, they are taking the lead in connected vehicle technologies, ensuring seamless communication between cars, infrastructure, and pedestrians. Not only are these efforts improving traffic flow – they are also laying the groundwork for autonomous driving environments where safety and efficiency are optimised. A major highlight is Korea’s demonstration programme. This brings together start-ups, established enterprises, and public agencies to test and refine next-generation ITS solutions in real-world environments. These range from autonomous shuttle services operating in several Korean cities to intelligent road safety systems that leverage sensors and Al to prevent accidents. By fostering collaboration between private innovators and public authorities, Korea ensures that
Aug 19, 2026 · via itsinternational.com
| HCM City will integrate IoT technology into smart transport infrastructure to improve traffic management and safety. — VNA/VNS Photo | HCM CITY— HCM City plans to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) technology into transport infrastructure to improve traffic management, safety, and operational efficiency. The plan will include the installation of sensors and smart monitoring devices in transport infrastructure projects, while IoT applications will also be used to prevent, detect and handle traffic violations. The initiative is also in line with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, which encourages the wider application of digital technologies to improve the efficiency of infrastructure management and public services. Under the plan, the Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee has assigned the Department of Construction to lead the application of IoT in the construction, management, operation and maintenance of transport infrastructure. The department will review and propose the integration of IoT sensors and smart monitoring equipment into transport projects involving the construction, renovation and upgrading of infrastructure across the city. The city will also promote the research, testing and development of technologies for smart transport. The Department of Science and Technology has been tasked with advising the municipal People's Committee on research, pilot projects, innovation and technology assessment related to IoT applications in smart transport. It will also manage and guide scientific and technological projects involving IoT, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in urban transport. The department will coordinate with businesses, research institutes and universities to support research and development, technology ownership and the domestic production of IoT equipment and platforms. It will also participate in assessing technologies, technical standards and the effectiveness of IoT applications in smart transport. The development of domestic IoT technologies and platforms is also consistent with Resolution 57's orientation of
Aug 19, 2026 · via vietnamnews.vn
Overview Seoul’s Magok District was developed from farmland into a large mixed-use area that brought together industrial, residential, commercial, and support facilities. As the area grew, it faced new urban challenges, including traffic congestion, odor complaints, insufficient amenities, environmental concerns, and pedestrian safety issues. While the area was developed as a smart city and embodies an eco-friendly urban model, smart city infrastructure alone was not enough to address the everyday problems experienced by people living and working in the area. In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government launched the Magok Smart City Living Lab in 2019 as part of efforts to develop Magok as a smart city testbed. What distinguishes the Living Lab is its citizen-led approach: rather than having experts determine solutions first, residents, workers, and visitors participate in identifying urban problems, working with experts to develop solutions, and testing the technologies such as IoT in real-life settings. The approach brings citizens together with the Seoul Business Agency, private companies, experts, and public institutions to co-design and test responses to local problems. The Living Lab has addressed issues regarding traffic, environmental concerns, fire safety, accessibility, and mobility—creating a process through which ideas can be identified, developed, tested, and evaluated for integration into urban services and policies while supporting the advancement of U-City infrastructure and citizen-oriented urban services. Context As urban populations have rapidly concentrated and expanded, the simultaneous increase in buildings and public amenities has led to a range of complex urban problems, including excessive pollutant emissions, environmental degradation, and rising urban crime. In this context, the advancement of smart cities is entering a new phase that goes beyond improving citizen convenience services to fostering new industries and securing emerging technologies based on the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This has increased the need for approaches that can respond to evolving urban
Aug 19, 2026 · via development.asia
Former Cincinnati Fire Chief's Suit for Wrongful Termination Continues after Judges' Decision Former Cincinnati Fire Chief Michael Washington landed a major legal victory last week. After his 2023 firing, he filed a wrongful termination suit against the city, the mayor and the city manager. When the city's attorneys heard of Manager Sheryl Long's intent to fire Washington, they told her he would "would need a hearing," WXIX reported, adding that he never got one. During recent depositions, Long explained: “Because that was my choice to not." In a 2-1 ruling last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled Long was not entitled to qualified immunity. The court found Washington was terminated without the pretermination hearing he was entitled to under the city charter. A jury will now get the chance to decide if Long violated Washington's due process rights and defamed him. Prior to his termination, neither the mayor nor the city manager raised any concerns about how Washington was leading the department, WLWT reported, referring to the suit. "It's like they said strike three before he had strikes one or two," Washington's attorney Stephen Imm said when the suit was filed. After the judges' decision last week, Imm wrote in a statement: “We could not be more pleased with the decision we received today from the court of appeals. Cincinnati has never had a Fire Chief more dedicated or more accomplished than Mike Washington. His wrongful termination was an unfortunate stain on this great city. We are looking forward to trial as soon as possible, so that stain can be removed, and so Mike can get back what was so disgracefully taken from him." About the Author Susan Nicol News Editor Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and
Aug 18, 2026 · via firehouse.com
Synopsis: These are the 11 cities that are the best to live in 2026. They are studied on their residential markets, rental prices, infrastructure, connectivity, employment opportunities and overall quality of life. India’s smart city initiative is transforming urban living with enhanced infrastructure, digital civic services, mobility, and sustainable development. Smart city is not just about digital technology, but making the city more efficient, connected and comfortable. A liveable city should offer quality road and public transport infrastructure, quality civic services, access to health and education, employment opportunities and sustainable infrastructure and well-planned residential development. These enhancements can include reduced travel time, improved access to key services, cleaner environment, investment in long-term development. 1. Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar is known for planned infrastructure and relatively inexpensive housing and its improving quality of life. The residential price on an average is around ₹4,500–₹13,000 per sq ft. The rental prices are also relatively low, ranging from approximately ₹8,500 to ₹50,000 per month depending on the locality. Planned development has helped to make Bhubaneswar a better place to live, combined with a surfeit of jobs and relatively moderate cost of living, this city strikes a balance between affordability, infrastructure and quality of life. 2. Indore Indore is among the most livable smart cities of India, with its cleanliness, well-planned infrastructure and comparatively low cost of housing. The average property price for residential properties is approximately ₹6,000 per sq ft, and the rent of 2-BHK is approximately ₹12,000-35,000 per month. Its IT industry is expanding with its two IT parks, IT Park-3 and IT Park-4, which it expects to add about 16,500 jobs. The Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor, an upcoming project of Rs 2,500 crore caters to manufacturing, logistics, residential and industrial development. As connectivity improves, jobs become available, clean environment and a relatively affordable living in
Aug 18, 2026 · via tradebrains.in
The public sector urgently needs to empower its workforce to use AI safely. According to a recent report, 91 percent of public-sector and local government IT leaders acknowledge that the use of AI tools and agents outside of official oversight creates business and mission risk. At the same time, factors like budget restrictions, aging infrastructure and unclear governance frameworks make safe AI adoption easier said than done. Thankfully, we can lean on each other to figure it out. Peer cities can openly share what's working and what’s not when it comes to AI to learn from one another. This capacity for collaboration will be one of the public sector's biggest advantages as it navigates the hurdles of using AI safely. AI IS INEVITABLE; SAFE ADOPTION IS NOT It’s no secret that government IT budgets are tight. In many instances, the lion’s share of that money (up to 80 percent) goes toward maintaining legacy systems instead of adopting new technologies. County and municipal IT leaders know AI governance is crucial, but they have limited resources at their disposal. There’s also the challenge of shadow AI. The aforementioned report found that most public-sector IT leaders (96 percent) have encountered AI applications or agents being implemented by employees in non-IT functions. When employees use non-sanctioned AI tools or agents, sensitive government or citizen data can inadvertently leave an organization’s controlled environment. Furthermore, nearly every app employees use today, even everyday software, features some level of AI functionality. The problem is, these capabilities are often “turned on” or utilized without official approval, training or oversight. Despite these challenges, AI is here to stay as a core layer of the public sector’s technology stack. It’s increasingly playing a crucial role in keeping essential services up and running, from utility billing to permitting to public safety.
Aug 18, 2026 · via govtech.com
Taiwan's Largest Renewables & Net Zero Exhibitions to Return Taiwan's largest renewable energy and net zero exhibitions, Net-Zero Taiwan and Energy Taiwan, are set to return to Taipei this autumn. The events are being co-organised by TAITRA (the Taiwan External Trade Development Council) and GESA (the Green Energy and Sustainability Alliance) and will take place from 14–16 October, 2026, in Hall 1 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. This year's exhibitions will showcase the latest energy technologies, decarbonisation solutions and industry trends, offering companies the chance to keep pace with market developments, to expand their partnerships and to explore more international business opportunities. Online pre-registration for visitors is open now. Net-Zero Taiwan: Moving from planning to action on the net zero transition As the global push toward net zero accelerates, decarbonisation has become a core factor in competitiveness. According to the latest trend report released by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in April 2026, a growing number of companies are incorporating carbon reduction into their operational decisions and long-term development blueprints, taking concrete action to strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce operational risk, and enhance competitiveness in international markets. Among the many pathways to decarbonisation, 'deep energy saving' stands out for its relatively low investment cost and significant results, making it a preferred option for companies that are pursuing carbon reduction and sustainability. In response to strong industry demand for net zero solutions, Net-Zero Taiwan will bring together numerous leading companies showcasing key technologies and services essential to corporate transformation. These include: - CBAM response strategies - Deep energy saving - Carbon management - Renewable energy trading - Green finance - The circular economy - Inspection and verification Through forward-looking technology demonstrations, practical case sharing and cross-sector dialogue, the exhibition will be a one-stop platform for exchanging net zero solutions,
Aug 18, 2026 · via energydigital.com
Have you heard the rumor about human “organ banks” where people can just swap out an ailing heart, liver, or spleen? I saw something like this in the prophetic AI 2027 essay, an epic broadside by Daniel Kokotajlo and company, about AI ushering in an era of design where human biology gets boosted by the work of inference models. It’s just one of many examples of the world’s potential to change radically – but it’s also illustrative of something important when it comes to natural biological systems. Working on Improvement I was reading this post at OpenAI called Preparing for Future AI Capabilities in Biology, where writers try to project the impact of artificial intelligence in this sphere, writing: “Advanced AI models have the power to rapidly accelerate scientific discovery, one of the many ways frontier AI models will benefit humanity. In biology, these models are already helping scientists identify which new drugs are most likely to succeed in human trials. Soon, they could also accelerate drug discovery, design better vaccines, create enzymes for sustainable fuels, and uncover new treatments for rare diseases to open up new possibilities across medicine, public health, and environmental science.” They also mention the risks: “At the same time, these models raise important dual-use considerations: enabling scientific advancement while maintaining the barrier to harmful information. The same underlying capabilities driving progress, such as reasoning over biological data, predicting chemical reactions, or guiding lab experiments, could also potentially be misused to help people with minimal expertise to recreate biological threats or assist highly skilled actors in creating bioweapons. Physical access to labs and sensitive materials remains a barrier—however those barriers are not absolute.” The OpenAI piece calls for proactive work on safety and guardrails, citing an executive order on the issue, but one point that I
Aug 18, 2026 · via forbes.com
Damascus, Aug. 18 (SANA) The second edition of the TEXPO International Technology and Innovation Exhibition will take place from Oct. 8-11 at the Damascus Fairgrounds, under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, organizer Glovent announced Tuesday.
The exhibition covers 29 specialized sectors, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, telecommunications, industrial technology, energy, smart education, e-commerce, financial technology, smart cities, startups and digital solutions.
Event manager Salah Aziziyeh told SANA that preparations are underway, noting that this year’s edition builds on the event’s growth and features participation from 12 countries and more than 120 local, Arab and international companies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye and Spain.
The exhibition offers an integrated experience combining a specialized exhibition, conferences, seminars, workshops, panel discussions, interactive displays and business meetings, providing opportunities to explore innovations, markets and partnerships, Aziziyeh said.
The first edition of TEXPO took place in October last year with 80 local, Arab and global brands representing various technology, communications and digital transformation sectors. The exhibition has positioned itself as one of the region’s leading platforms connecting companies, investors, entrepreneurs, experts and decision-makers in the technology and innovation space.
Kh.A / H.H
Aug 18, 2026 · via sana.sy
Dive Brief: - A record number of accessory dwelling units — more than 10,200 — were completed in Los Angeles County in 2025, accounting for 37% of the county’s new housing, according to a recent analysis by the Neighborhood Data for Social Change, a project within the University of Southern California’s Lusk Center for Real Estate. - Overall housing production in the county fell more than 4% in 2025 compared with the year prior, slipping to 27,293 new units from 28,498. - Expedited replacement housing for homes lost in the Palisades and Eaton fires impacted the numbers, according to the report. Dive Insight: Several states and cities are embracing ADUs — sometimes called granny flats or cottage houses — as one tool to address a widespread affordable housing shortage. Despite the proliferation of new ADUs, Los Angeles County remains far behind its state-mandated goal of 812,000 new permitted housing units by 2029, according to the Lusk Center. The county has produced less than 125,400 units since 2021, the report said. “I don’t think that’s to say we shouldn’t feel encouraged by these initial signs of a supply expansion when it comes to ADUs,” Jared Schachner, a researcher for the Lusk Center report and assistant professor of research at USC’s Price School of Public Policy, told the Los Angeles Daily News. “But it’s not nearly enough to fill that gap in terms of what we need regionally.” The full impact of ADUs on local housing supply also remains unclear, as the diminutive structures located on the same land as a primary home may or may not be used as a rental apartment or living space by the homeowners who build them, the Daily News reported. California and the city and county of Los Angeles have all made efforts to streamline ADU
Aug 18, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Tesla readying Cybercab launch in Austin, Texas: The Information This story was originally published on Smart Cities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Smart Cities Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: - Tesla appears to be readying a public launch of its Cybercab this month in Austin, Texas, according to The Information. Tesla posted a cryptic message Monday on X offering robotaxi rides at an undisclosed location. - Tesla began manufacturing the purpose-built, two-seat vehicle at its plant near Austin, Elon Musk said in an April 24 post on X. - The company began adding Starlink, a satellite internet service, to its Cybercabs on Aug. 10, according to a post on X. Dive Insight: Tesla CEO Elon Musk debuted the Cybercab at an Oct. 10, 2024, event in Burbank, Calif. The vehicle has no pedals or steering wheel and relies on the company's "full self-driving" software. In its other cars sold publicly with traditional driver controls, that software requires the driver to be attentive at all times, meaning those vehicles are not autonomous. In Austin, Chicago and San Francisco, where Cybercabs are being tested, remote monitors can take over driving when needed, according to an article in Electrek. Ride in Robotaxi through 8/23 for a shot to attend our Cybercab launch event More rides = better odds pic.twitter.com/NxA4H9sWF2 — Tesla Robotaxi (@robotaxi) August 18, 2026 Cybercab rides on public roads will be offered to Tesla employees before public Cybercabs are incorporated into its robotaxi service in Austin, according to news reports. "We do need to be cautious about causing any accidents or causing any harm to anyone," Musk said during the company's Q2 2026 earnings call. "If we injure even one person, it'll be worldwide headline news, and regulators will immediately clamp down on our activities."
Aug 18, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
The cities of tomorrow will not be defined by individual systems, but by how seamlessly those systems work together, to create more resilient futures for the communities they serve.
At Smart City Expo World Congress, 3-5 November 2026, Deloitte will explore the future of connected infrastructure. You can hear from Deloitte leaders across main and thematic stage sessions and visit our booth for executive discussions and interactive experiences.
Together, we’ll explore how connected systems can accelerate modernization, unlock greater value and help cities work in harmony.
Stay tuned for speaker announcements, programme updates and the latest from Deloitte at Smart City Expo World Congress.
Aug 18, 2026 · via deloitte.com
“AI will be the backbone that will release the job requirements in other areas,” Salesforce India Chairperson and CEO Arundhati Bhattacharya tells CNBC TV18’s Shereen Bhan. Bhattacharya explains why AI could help unlock missed demand in the economy, creating jobs across sectors beyond traditional IT. She points to rising demand for aeronautical, civil and chemical engineers, while explaining how AI can help businesses identify opportunities that were previously difficult to tap. Bhattacharya also explains how AI has helped Salesforce expand the reach of its research team and generate new sales opportunities. nasscomTata Tele Business Services#AITheNextFrontier#Nasscom#CNBCTV18#AILeadership#IndiasAIPlay Under the water, we have a job problem and we also have a talent problem and we need to address both. But on the job front specifically, you know, do we need to recalibrate the way that we've looked at this industry in terms of job creation as far as talent is concerned? You know, this is again been an industry that spends significant amounts of money set up universities and so on and so forth to train people. I mean, employability has always been a challenge. How do you see industry rising to the occasion of. And I error. Well, you know, one thing I do see, and in a way I think it pleases me as well. Earlier, for instance, no matter what discipline a student would complete their engineering in, they'd land up in it. So whether he was her aeronautical engineer or whether he was a chemical engineer or he was a civil engineer, that all land up in it. At the end of the day, those were the jobs that were that were actually available. Today, on the other hand, an aeronautical engineer is very much in demand. Because missile technology is something that's really and truly making it space.
Aug 18, 2026 · via linkedin.com
The European Commission has published the call for proposals EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026 (RIF: HORIZON‑EIC‑2026‑PATHFINDERCHALLENGES‑01), under the programme Horizon Europe, with the aim of supporting highly innovative scientific and technological research activities. The call, opened on 22 July 2026 and with a deadline set at 28 October 2026, provides an overall budget of €96 million, with an indicative contribution up to EUR 4 million per project and a funding rate of 100% of eligible costs. The call for proposals is divided into three main areas: Challenge, each dedicated to a research area strategic for European competitiveness and for the development of emerging technologies. 1. Advanced materials for energy-independent systems The first Challenge supports the development of new materials capable of harvesting energy from the environment and convert it into usable energy from miniaturised devices. The materials will be able to exploit solar, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, nanotribological, electromagnetic or other innovative physical and chemical processes. The materials developed will be integrated into miniaturized modules and subsequently in energy autonomous systems, such as wireless sensors and connected devices. Performance will have to be compared with the state of the art through a representative use case in a laboratory setting, with demonstration to TRL 4. This line of research contributes to reducing battery dependency and the environmental impacts associated with the growth of the Internet of Things, with potential applications in areas such as health monitoring, wearable devices, agriculture, industry, mobility, smart cities and energy management. The use of digital tools and artificial intelligence It will speed up the entire material identification, design and characterisation cycle. 2. Biotechnology for healthy ageing The second Challenge aims to transform knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ageing into Concrete biomedical solutions. Projects will be able to develop biotechnological or pharmaceutical interventions that can prevent, delay
Aug 18, 2026 · via europa.regione.campania.it
The first speakers for Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC26) have been announced.
ITS Internationalis a media partner of the transportation and technology event, which is co-located with Tomorrow.Mobility (TMWC26) and runs from 3-5 November at Fira Barcelona.
At SCEWC2026, speakers will include Rochelle Haynes, MD, What Works Cities – Bloomberg Philanthropies; Carlo Battisti, president, Living Future Europe; Cristian Canton, associate director, Barcelona Supercomputing Center; Karl-Filip Coenegrachts, executive director, Open & Agile Smart Cities; and Ayumi Moore Aoki, founder and CEO, Women in Tech Global.
Meanwhile, TMWC26 will hear from leaders including: Lukas Nekermann, co-founder, Urban Places Lab; Teresa Riesgo Alcaide, secretary general for Innovation, Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities; Marc Rozendal, CEO, EIT Urban Mobility; Henk Swarttouw, president, European Cyclists Federation; Jaromir Beranek, deputy mayor for transportation, City of Prague, Czech Republic; and Armando D. Hernández Lugo, technical director, Cluster de Innovacion para la Micromovilidad Eléctrica.
Early-bird rates are available: click here for details.
There will be an in-depth look at Barcelona’s transportation ecosystem in ITS InternationalSept-Oct 2026.
Aug 18, 2026 · via itsinternational.com
Abstract By connecting a vast array of objects and enabling remote as well as global control over them, wireless sensor networks (WSN) and internet of things (IoT) have drastically altered the world in an advanced and effective manner. Making high precision on the real-time observations is the primary goal of implementing WSN-based applications, but it is very difficult to achieve due to the sensors’ limited computing power when operating in restricted environments, a large volume of high-speed, heterogeneous, and resource-limited data, including energy, memory, computation speed, quickly-changing data, and bandwidth. The IoT is a cutting-edge technology that is now a necessary component of smart cities. Sensor nodes must overcome resource constraints in order to carry out the improved routing procedure. Therefore, a hybrid heuristic method utilizing the osprey optimization algorithm (OOA) and barnacles mating optimizer (BMO) is suggested in this work in order to improve the processing of IoT-based WSN nodes. This algorithm is termed the hybrid barnacles mating with osprey optimization algorithm (Hy-BMOO) algorithm. In order to choose the best path for network transmission, this hybrid method examines the node properties. Consequently, the multi-objective function, which includes some constraints to guarantee system efficiency, is formulated with the aid of the optimum routing. Lastly, a comparison with certain current techniques and an analysis of the suggested model using specific metrics are conducted. As a result, thorough research reveals that it obtains encouraging outcomes in determining the best course for improved communication. Subjects Abbreviations - IoT: - Internet of things - WSN: - Wireless sensor networks - BMO: - Barnacles mating optimization - OOA: - Osprey optimization algorithm - Hy-BMOO: - Hybrid barnacles mating with osprey optimization - GA: - Genetic algorithm - PSO: - Particle swarm optimization - RNN: - Recurrent neural networks - DNN: - Deep neural networks -
Aug 18, 2026 · via nature.com