NSW to build smart technology into infrastructure
The NSW government announced today it will build smart technology into infrastructure and buildings to create jobs, cut commute times, slash water bills and boost the economy.
The Australian-first Smart Places Strategy and Smart Infrastructure Policy will see sensors and technology built into NSW cities. Examples of potential benefits include:
Smart traffic signalling, real-time route planning and sensors on parking spots reducing commute times.
Smart meters and real-time alerts allowing residents to reduce water waste.
Advanced digital models to reduce construction costs and improve planning.
Real-time air quality sensors providing health providers with localised information.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the strategies would improve quality of life and boost the COVID-19 recovery.
“Whether it’s easing cost of living pressure for households, busting congestion or improving health outcomes for communities, technology is the new weapon in our arsenal,” Mr Dominello said.
“Data and precision modelling is just as important as bricks and mortar. Information is power and technology should be embedded in every major infrastructure project.
“Similar strategies have worked effectively in other global centres including Dublin, Barcelona and Boston. We cannot be spectators on the sidelines – we must lead in this arena.”
The NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) member universities are at the forefront of smart sensing research, exploring new frontiers in optical, chemical and in-line sensing to deliver next-generation sensors that are wireless, networked, smaller, cheaper and more sensitive.
With over $3 million in funding from Sydney Water and a range of other Australian water utilities, the NSSN is leading groundbreaking research into smart sensing technologies that can better predict and prevent critical failures in water supply networks.
The multi-disciplinary project draws upon quantum sensing expertise from The Australian National University, acoustic sensing expertise from UNSW, pressure transient sensing from the University of Newcastle and data analytics at UTS.
The NSSN, a consortium of eight leading research universities across NSW and the ACT, brings together expertise in academia, industry and government to position NSW as a recognised global leader in smart sensing innovation.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed advanced air quality sensors that use laser beams to detect particles in the air, aiming to achieve real-time measurements of particulate compositions.
Building on existing technologies, the team have engineered portable sensors that can be deployed in large arrays to provide more comprehensive information on air quality in real-time.
To learn more about NSSN capabilities, please contact us here.