A quick overview of the leading initiatives driving the deployment of robotaxis for the streets of tomorrow
Author | Lucía Burbano In 2019, Elon Musk confidently told investors, “I feel very confident predicting autonomous robotaxis for Tesla next year.” “They won’t be in all jurisdictions, because we won’t have regulatory approval everywhere, but I am confident we will have at least regulatory approval somewhere, literally next year,” he added. Six years later, […]
South Korea is studying marine carbon capture: What is this technology and what are its applications?
Authors | Elvira Esparza and Lucía Burbano South Korea has outfitted the 2,200 TEU vessel HMM Mongla, with advanced onboard carbon capture systems. This pioneering project is a collaboration among major industry players, including Samsung Heavy Industries, Hyundai Marine Solutions, Panasia, and Korea Register. With this initiative, the Korean government plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions […]
How traffic data can make cities safer and more efficient
Author | Elvira Esparza Cities are the center of human activity. The global population is concentrated in major urban centers and 7 in 10 people are expected to live in conurbations by 2050. These sprawling urban regions are evolving beyond the traditional notion of a single urban hub, transforming into vast networks of interconnected, urbanized […]
Walkable cities: Promoting better health and essential for enhanced decision-making
Author | Raquel C. Pico One of Steve Jobs’ most effective tools was taking his employees for walks through the streets of Cupertino, the home of Apple’s headquarters, whenever he needed to have important conversations with them. While it may appear to be a revolutionary concept, Jobs is just one of the latest examples of […]
South Korea’s self-cleaning roads: a social media sensation
Occasionally, a photograph or video surfaces on social media showcasing an impressive automated system: a self-cleaning road equipped with strategically placed sprinklers. However, these fascinating roads serve a dual purpose. Moreover, they are not a recent innovation. In fact, these roads have been showcasing their potential for years. An inside look at South Korea’s self-cleaning […]
CopenPay: How Copenhagen wants to be greener with responsible tourism
Author |Raquel C. Pico Recent data from the World Economic Forum reveals that global tourism has returned to pre-pandemic mobility levels. This resurgence in travel aligns with a surge in visitors to certain cities, which are increasingly experiencing the effects of “touristification” — the negative consequences of mass tourism. The challenge for future travel lies […]
How some cities are safeguarding worker health and safety amid heat waves
Author | Raquel C. Pico Climate change is driving global warming. The IPCC reports have been warning about this for years, but the general public is now becoming increasingly aware of it in their everyday lives, especially during the summer months. Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense. This has a direct impact on public […]
Korea now supplies its most remote islands by drone
Author | Lucía Burbano South Korea is now employing drones to transport essential supplies to its most remote areas, showcasing the nation’s strong commitment to unmanned aerial vehicles. This initiative not only addresses logistical challenges but also aligns with South Korea’s strategic goal of becoming a global leader in drone technology and innovation. The drone […]
Rubber in playgrounds: an unexpected source of land pollution?
Author | Lucía Burbano Can materials like rubber, used in public infrastructures such as children’s parks, have harmful effects on health? In general terms, the numerous quality controls to which they are subjected would suggest otherwise. Many of these petroleum-based synthetics, however, contain harmful substances that can negatively impact the environment and potentially human health. […]
Are illuminated pedestrian crossings effective in preventing accidents?
Author | Raquel C. Pico Despite significant advancements in road safety in recent decades, there remain numerous areas that need attention and further improvement. Pedestrian safety is one such area, as many cities and roads still prioritize vehicular traffic over the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Improving sidewalks and creating safe spaces for pedestrians is […]