Tech & Data

5 futuristic design concepts proposed by Sidewalk Toronto

Building raincoats, underground delivery systems and dynamic pavement may all soon be a reality in the waterfront neighborhood of Quayside.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 17, 2018

Startup focused on AI for infrastructure scores $4.5M in funding

SenSat's product learns from a virtual representation of the jobsite to present project teams with the most efficient course of action.

By Kathleen Brown • Aug. 17, 2018

Verizon taps Indianapolis as 4th city to receive 5G service

It joins Houston, Los Angeles and Sacramento to round out the first cohort of cities that will receive Verizon's super-fast fixed internet.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 16, 2018

Q&A

Houston public safety team reflects on 3-day cyberattack simulation

The city conducted the Jack Voltaic 2.0 exercise to answer a simple question: "If all sectors are under a coordinated cyberattack, would we be aware and able to handle it from within?"

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 16, 2018

Los Angeles subway to install body scanners

The portable scanners — purchased from the U.K. company Thruvision — can screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic objects and can detect items from 30 feet away. 

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 15, 2018

FirstNet 'laser focused' on network build-out, innovation after approving $240M budget

The total spending includes $78 million to fund new initiatives and technology for the platform, which has thousands of subscribers nationwide among emergency service agencies.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 14, 2018

Uber taps UT Austin for flying taxi tech

The university researchers will work with U.S. Army Research Labs to "explore the efficiency and noise signature of stacked co-rotating rotors" for VTOL aircrafts.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 14, 2018

Comcast offers low-cost internet program to veterans

The company has connected more than 6 million Americans — 2 million in the last year alone — through Internet Essentials, which provides low-cost internet and digital literacy training.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 14, 2018

Study: EVs will have 20% of global mileage share by 2030

Researchers predict adoption will surge despite small current market share and government regulations, thanks in part to its use in other mobility forms.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 13, 2018

Robot learns to build, adapt using Lego models

Autodesk's BrickBot is programed to autonomously build from 3D models and could be a precursor to construction and manufacturing applications.

By Laurie Cowin • Aug. 13, 2018

Developers building first 5G-ready community in Dallas suburbs

Frisco Station, a $1.5 billion 242-acre mixed-use development, will have wireless micro-cells, fiber internet and Wi-Fi in common areas.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 13, 2018

San Diego Fire Department begins drone testing

The tests are part of a federal government pilot to inform the future of drone use and related policies.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 13, 2018

Opinion

Why most Americans don't want to live in a 'smart city'

Smart tech is transforming the way local government delivers services, though concerns about cyberattacks and personal data collection may keep the public from getting on board.

By Maria Buczkowski

Ericsson ups US investments in 5G infrastructure

The company will increase its research and development on the technology, and shorten the timeline for introduction of new products.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 13, 2018

IBM, Threatcare uncover vulnerabilities of smart city tech

The researchers discovered 17 specific vulnerabilities that could open cities to an attack, with eight of those flaws holding critical severity.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 10, 2018

Lime expands equity program to entire vehicle fleet nationwide

Those eligible for Lime Access can unlock the company's dockless scooters and e-bikes at a 50% discount, while its traditional pedal bikes offer a 95% discount.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 10, 2018

IIHS warns of flawed electronic driver assist features

The Virginia-based research group tested adaptive cruise control and active lane control systems in the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, a BMW 5-Series, the Volvo S-90 and the Mercedes E-Class.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 10, 2018

Boston to expand police body cam program

The decision was based on results from a report about the police department's pilot, which found "small but meaningful benefits," including fewer complaints.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 08, 2018

StreetLight Data gets $10M in funding for expansion, innovation

The company plans to use the boost in capital to fund its transportation data analytics capabilities and move into new regions.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 08, 2018

San Jose airport to use facial recognition tech for all international travelers

SJC is the first on the west coast to implement the tech and has seen a match success rate of 99%, according to local reports, after half a million tests.  

By Sean Gibbons • Aug. 08, 2018

Study: China outspent US by $24B in 5G infrastructure since 2015

The report from Deloitte said "swift actions" should be taken to ensure cities and carriers in North America do not fall further behind in the race for the network.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 08, 2018

NYC Council unanimously approves Union Square Tech Training Center

The training center, which will cost an estimated $250 million to build, will replace the former P.C. Richard & Son building on East 14th Street.

By Jason Plautz • UPDATED: Aug. 10, 2018 at 9:47 a.m.

Q&A

Why URBAN-X is 'bullish' on startups' potential to solve city challenges

Micah Kotch, managing director of the accelerator, explained how startups "speak a different language from public officials," but can overall help cities improve quality of life. 

By Chris Teale • Aug. 06, 2018

Seattle forms innovation council to boost citywide tech solutions

The Innovation Advisory Council will harness assistance from tech giants like Amazon to ease affordability and homelessness problems.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 06, 2018

USDA to invest $97M in rural broadband projects

The investments come from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program and the Community Connect Grant Program and will go to 11 states.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 06, 2018