Artificial Intelligence: The road to intelligent infrastructure

The convergence of technology that has brought together what we now call information and communications technologies (ICT) has transformed our lives. Smart phones and tablets are now a common, almost essential, part of the accoutrements we carry around on a daily basis. Our cars are also getting smarter, with more on board computing power than was used in the 1960s Moon landings.

However, the emergence of smart systems empowered by ICT is now becoming an increasingly important part of our infrastructure. For example, road infrastructure is already being designed to contain ICT systems that will enhance monitoring and control as well as safety. According to the European Union’s New Road Construction Concepts (NR2C) discussion paper issued in 2008, the future use of smart road systems is already well developed.

In a CISCO White Paper authored by Andreas Mai and Dirk Schlesinger and published last year, the future of the motor car was examined. According to this analysis the younger generation of consumers are more attached to their smart phones than they are to their cars. In response motor vehicle manufacturers are moving to integrate smart phones and tablets into their vehicles.

Read more: The road to intelligent infrastructure | Technology Spectator

The Australian: UK roads most toxic in Europe - by Steven Swinford

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Britain has the most polluted roads in the EU, posing a serious risk to health and threatening to restore the nation's status as the "dirty man" of Europe. A report from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says hundreds of local authorities breach EU limits for nitrogen dioxide, which has been linked to asthma, stunted lung growth in children and premature death. The fumes on certain stretches of road breach safety levels in 95 per cent of cities and regions in Britain, compared with 82 per cent in Austria, 52 per cent in Germany and 21 per cent in France.

The report warns that Britain faces huge fines for breaching EU air pollution laws unless it takes radical measures such as introducing subsidies for electric cars or a national road pricing scheme.

Turkish Press: Turkey's Longest Highway Tunnel To Open Saturday

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Turkey's Longest Highway Tunnel To Open Saturday

Turkey`s longest highway tunnel, which connects Bolaman and Persembe towns of the Black Sea port city of Ordu, is set to open on Saturday.

The double-tube tunnel is 3,775 meters long and is equipped with over 80 surveillance cameras and 16 control centers to manage the traffic and take action in case of emergency.