Emerging Tech
Oakland’s new school buses don’t just reduce pollution — they double as giant batteries
A new fleet of buses can send power back to the grid, stabilizing it instead of straining it.
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Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere
Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
The right to repair electronics is now law in 3 states. Is Big Tech complying?
You're legally entitled to fix your own gadgets in California, Minnesota, and New York — but not all tech companies have gotten the memo.
States move to protect recording artists from AI-generated likenesses
After Tennessee passed the ELVIS Act this past winter to protect an artist’s name, image and likeness from being used by digital replicas, other states are considering similar legislation.
Does California's AI bill go too far or fall short? It depends who you ask.
The legislation requires developers of large AI systems to test if they can be used in various extreme scenarios. It has support as well as plenty of detractors in the state’s large tech community.
In some cities, second thoughts about gunshot detection sensors
Recent studies on technology that alerts police to gunfire have found it has little impact on shootings or prosecutions.
What cities should know about ShotSpotter technology
COMMENTARY | ShotSpotter may have benefits for improved gun shot detection and response, one expert says, but it offers little benefit for enforcement and did not reduce gunshot victimization.
Policymakers move to get ahead of deepfake political ads
Several states already require that AI’s use in elections and campaigns be disclosed, but adoption is not universal. With the election on the horizon, efforts have increased to make sure voters can identify AI-generated content.
How one state is using technology to curb high pedestrian fatality rates
Texas has the second highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. It is looking beyond just physical infrastructure to curb traffic deaths in the state.
Rescue from above: How drones may narrow emergency response times
While research has often found that drones arrive faster than first responders, there’s little conclusive evidence that drones improve health outcomes.
Billions in US funding boosts lithium mining, stressing water supplies
The energy transition is driving demand for batteries; funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal programs is helping to fill it.
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AI and the power of intelligent voice
COMMENTARY | The new category in artificial intelligence, conversational AI, has governments captivated. Here are some of the ways they are thinking of using AI-powered voice communications.
How AI can help and hurt the environment
Artificial intelligence could put a greater strain on electricity, water and other resources already under pressure from data centers. But the technology also presents opportunities to address environmental challenges.
In this county, AI is its ‘institutional knowledge in a box’
The way Washoe County, Nevada, is using artificial intelligence may not be flashy or innovative, but its “boring” approach is leading to better customer service and, maybe, more transformative projects down the road.
Don’t rush into AI experiments too quickly, experts say
Speakers at Route Fifty’s latest Innovation Spotlight cautioned the need to balance innovation in artificial intelligence with good governance, despite the desire for adoption to happen quicker.
Massachusetts is expanding its pathbreaking vehicle fleet electrification program
The Massachusetts Fleet Advisor program, which helps small businesses, nonprofits and municipalities transition to electric vehicles, recently received $5 million in federal funding.
3D visualization predicts hurricane damage before it happens
By applying this technology to coastal communities or community buildings, such as schools and stores, researchers can help residents and officials create a plan for hurricane season.
It’s time to take a serious look at esports gaming
The growing popularity of competitive video games is creating opportunities for governments at all levels. It builds skills, fosters community at local rec centers and schools and even boosts tourism.
AI in law enforcement is risky, but holds promise
Leaders should not be reluctant to use AI in controversial applications, even if they risk blowback, one city’s CIO advises.
To drive revenue, cities turn to tech to fix their parking problems
Parking brings in $3 billion a year for state and local governments. That's why they are using new technologies to help push parking reforms aimed at streamlining enforcement and increasing revenues and environmental friendliness.
As hype intensifies, cities put AI to the test
A recent gathering of local officials shed some light on how cities are using artificial intelligence today and how they plan to use it.
