Delivery robots: hype or reality?
In 2020, estimates for the global autonomous last mile delivery market stood at around $1 billion for that year. However, numerous global companies including Amazon or FedEx have abandoned projects that were exploring the feasibility of using delivery robots.
How can circular economies benefit smart cities?
Cities represent almost two-thirds of the global energy demand, produce up to 50% of solid waste and are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. Those that include circular economy criteria not only benefit themselves but the planet as a whole.
Can we redefine time to increase urban welfare? The case for time policies
Time is at the centre of any day-to-day conversation one may be part of, —or, more precisely, the lack of time. How many times have we said we did not have enough sleep? How difficult is it to be on time at our children’s school?
What do smart cities have in common with greater seismic resilience
This defenselessness is not as devastating as in the past thanks to seismic resilience technologies. The importance of seismic resilience lies in the capacity of cities to reduce human casualties and economic costs.
What is smart city legislation?
Do smart cities need specific laws to contribute to their development? The easy answer to this question may be affirmative, but the solution is difficult. Because, what type of regulation should be established in order to pave the way for urban challenges?
UK startup launches ‘world’s most intelligent’ e-scooter
The former CEO of Aston Martin has traded luxury supercars for e-scooters.
The ‘pocket parks’ of Athens: green oases in the city
Through tactical urbanism strategies, the millenary city of Athens is creating little urban parks known as pocket parks. Despite its dense layout and clear lack of space, the city council has found the solution to include more green areas in the city, which even seek to reduce local crime.
Centralia, the town that sits on an incessant underground fire, and other ghost towns
“Warning, danger: Underground mine fire. Walking or driving in this area could result in serious injury or death, ground is prone to sudden collapse”, a sign reads at the entrance to Centralia. This old American town is not the only one that had to be evacuated as a result of acts by humans, who are not as smart as we would like to think we are.
The 10 most innovative African cities
Africa’s population is expected to exceed 4 billion in two decades. In light of this situation, many cities have started to accelerate a much-needed technological transformation.
The 100 Most Influential Urbanists, Past and Present
Planetizen readers have decided the who’s who of urbanism (and its discontents) in 2023.