AT&T offers structure monitoring for railways and roadways

AT&T is testing a new structure monitoring solution that will help improve the safety of roadways and railways. This comes in addition to its smart cities work with several U.S. spotlight cities and its recently launched digital infrastructure solution. AT&T said it is set to deliver a solution so teams can monitor structural and environmental factors remotely in near real time.

“Safety is a top concern of citizens and cities alike. This concern extends beyond the realm of crime and natural disasters. It also includes the safety of our infrastructure,” said Mike Zeto, general manager, AT&T Smart Cities.  “We’re pleased to test this solution, which will allow for smart infrastructure analysis and monitoring.

With AT&T Smart Cities Structure Monitoring, selected infrastructure will receive AT&T LTE-enabled sensors to remotely monitor structural factors. The sensors, which measure things like cracks and tilts, also feature alert triggers and email alerts to capture significant events. Organizations can monitor structures in near real time using the internet. All they need is a web-enabled device.

The new AT&T Smart Cities Structure Monitoring product will join the company’s growing Smart Cities solutions suite that includes AT&T Smart Cities Digital Infrastructure, AT&T Smart Irrigation, AT&T Smart Cities Operations Center, AT&T Smart Grid – Solar Solution, and AT&T Smart Grid Solutions – Prepay Energy.

Smart Cities update

AT&T launched its Smart Cities organization in fall 2015. Since then, it has worked closely with cities and their citizens to better understand key challenges and help them create impactful solutions. It formed strategic alliances with technology companies, the developer community and other leading organizations. An example of this collaboration is its spotlight city program. It’s a unique initiative that tests AT&T’s smart cities framework in select cities and municipalities across the country.

Atlanta — The City of Atlanta was one of the first cities to join the spotlight city program. Utilizing AT&T Digital Infrastructure with Current, powered by GE’s CityIQ, AT&T is working with the local utility to transform the city’s existing lighting infrastructure into a sensor-enabled data network that will accelerate the digital era of urban development. To date, 200 sensors have been added to previously installed LED streetlights encompassing key areas in the city. The sensors will help Atlanta address issues such as traffic flow, parking optimization and gunshot detection, and create a platform for citizen engagement.

AT&T is also part of a broader effort to help the city strategically address road safety challenges as part of its Smart Corridor project. From innovative programs like the Atlanta Civic Coding Competition to AT&T’s work with the Internet of Things (IoT).

Dallas — AT&T teamed with the Dallas Innovation Alliance (DIA) and other technology leaders in the city to create a living lab. The solution addresses key challenges like sustainability and parking. To make the city’s historic West End more sustainable, the city installed 22 new smart lighting solutions using connected LED and intelligent controls. The new lighting used 35 percent less energy in its first 90 days.

“A smart city works to solve city problems, conserve resources and create an inclusive and prosperous city. The technology itself isn’t enough without measurable insights that come from data,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “The Living Lab from AT&T and the Dallas Innovation Alliance provides a great platform to test and share results of projects that could positively impact Dallas citizens. We look forward to continued progress in creating a truly smart city for all of Dallas.”

The second phase of the DIA Smart Cities Living Lab powered by AT&T will launch later this month. For details, go to www.dallasinnovationalliance.com/events.

Montgomery County, Md. — Montgomery County has a large commuter population. Together with some of its strategic alliance members, AT&T worked to enhance ridership through the use of technology, such as informing the public about transit time delays in real-time and improving the riders’ experience.  To address these issues, Wi-Fi was installed on targeted buses and bus shelters.  Early research suggests the county will see increased ridership.

Mexico — Mexico City’s Ministry of Economic Development (SEDECO) recently signed an agreement with AT&T to run an IoT market pilot. This initiative, part of SEDECO’s “Program to Promote and Improve Public Markets in Mexico City,” reaffirms their interest in Smart Cities projects that are designed to promote sustainable development and effective management by using technology and connectivity.

To learn more about AT&T Smart Cities, go to www.att.com/smartcities.