Smart City and Utility Industry News Roundup
May 1, 2024

In France, Châlons Agglo is implementing connected water meters across its municipalities to eliminate the need for manual readings by personnel. Similar to the Linky and Gazpar meters for electricity and gas, these water meters can be monitored remotely, enhancing efficiency and response times. Installation is ongoing, with over 1,500 meters being equipped annually, aiming for complete deployment within fourteen years. 

The Cairns Regional Council in Queensland, Australia, is expanding its partnership with Itron, Inc. to modernize its water distribution system. This collaboration involves deploying Itron’s Intelis® wSource NB-IoT water meters and Temetra® NB-IoT digital platform to improve water leak detection and customer experience. This initiative, part of the council’s water security plan, aims to address water scarcity and operational challenges over the next three years. 

Sorted, an AI-driven waste management startup based in London, has secured £1.65 million in seed funding from Pi Labs to improve recycling processes through enhanced material sorting. The investment will bolster Sorted’s development and business teams, expediting its market launch. The company, which has attracted attention from major UK and French recyclers like SUEZ UK and Cawleys, focuses on addressing the inefficiencies in sorting recyclable materials, particularly plastics. Sorted’s AI technology aids human sorters by using computer vision, spectroscopy, and colored lasers to identify valuable recyclables on conveyor belts. 

The Baton Rouge Police Department has enhanced its digital surveillance system by integrating AI-based gun detection and situational awareness software, ZeroEyes, into existing city cameras. This technology, part of the Page/Rice Public Safety Initiative, can quickly identify firearms and notify law enforcement within seconds, providing details like the type of gun and its last known location. Previously tested in Philadelphia, the technology was discontinued there due to the existing cameras’ insufficient resolution to effectively support the software. Despite this setback, Baton Rouge is moving forward with the deployment, which includes expanding surveillance coverage with additional cameras and license plate readers. This initiative is supported by a nearly $1 million investment from the city and aims to improve public safety following the deaths of Devin Page Jr. and Allie Rice. 

Massachusetts announced a $775,000 grant to enhance air quality monitoring across the state. This initiative will involve adding PurpleAir sensors, which are cost-effective and less intrusive compared to the traditional monitoring stations. More than 200 of these sensors will be distributed free to underserved and low-income communities, building on the 248 sensors deployed in 2021. This expansion aims to improve data collection for better policymaking, especially in environmental justice communities where air quality concerns are greater. 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has extended its cloud connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices in Spain through a public LoRaWAN network, in partnership with Everynet. This service should enables AWS customers to seamlessly connect their LoRaWAN devices directly to the AWS cloud without needing on-premise servers. Initially launched in the UK and US, this expansion into Spain allows companies, according to AWS, to streamline operations, enhance maintenance, and improve services using LoRaWAN technology. 

The UK has implemented a law prohibiting IoT manufacturers from setting weak default passwords like “admin” or “12345” to bolster cybersecurity. This move aims to avert incidents like the 2016 Mirai hack, where poor password security enabled a massive botnet attack. Manufacturers must now also disclose contact details for reporting issues and inform users about upcoming security updates. Non-compliance could lead to fines up to £10 million or 4% of global revenue. While the EU is considering similar legislation, the U.S. currently lacks specific provisions against weak default IoT passwords. 

The Lombardy Region has launched a funding opportunity titled ‘Smart Mobility Data Driven’ call, allocating €25 million to foster innovative mobility solutions. Public administrations and entities selected in Phase 1 can apply by June 20, 2024, for contributions up to €2.5 million, covering 100% of project costs. Eligible projects, ranging from €800,000 to €2.5 million, must enhance mobility through the intelligent use of data within the E015 ecosystem and be completed by mid-2026. The initiative encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including municipalities, public transport entities, and universities, aiming to integrate smart, sustainable, and accessible mobility solutions across Lombardy. 

Learn more about this initiative

Los Angeles is investing $11 million to install 100 AI-powered cameras on city buses to issue parking tickets to vehicles illegally parked in bus zones. These cameras, part of a partnership with Hayden AI, are expected to start testing this summer and become operational by year-end. Despite claims of improving bus service and mobility, there’s criticism about inadequate public outreach. A 60-day warning period will precede actual ticketing to acclimate drivers to the new system. The initiative also includes privacy measures, with non-violation footage being destroyed within 15 days. 

Carson City, Nevada is enhancing its intersection infrastructure by incorporating Iteris‘ Vantage Apex hybrid sensors, which combine 1080p HD video and 4D radar with AI algorithms. These upgrades aim to improve the detection and analysis of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and enhance traffic management. The sensors, part of Iteris’ ClearMobility® Platform, also support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, crucial for connected and automated vehicles. This initiative is expected to boost safety, mobility, and sustainability across the city.