Structure monitoring solution promises safer roadways, railways

Technology News | January 10, 2018

By Rich Pell

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The company says that it is currently testing a new structure monitoring solution, which is intended to help improve the safety of the country’s roadways and railways. This is intended to help address issues with the state of the current U.S. infrastructure, which it says is “aging and in disrepair.”

Traditionally, organizations have relied on visual inspections to assess the state of roadways and railways. However, performing such inspections on a regular basis is made more difficult since much of the infrastructure is in remote locations.

While remote monitoring alternatives are available, says the company, many use older technology solutions that are bulky and not suited for the long-term. The new solution offered by AT&T is said to be designed so that teams can monitor structural and environmental factors remotely in near real time.

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

With the company’s Smart Cities Structure Monitoring solution, selected infrastructure will receive AT&T LTE-enabled sensors – which the company says can be installed in under ten minutes – to remotely monitor structural factors. The sensors, including SIMs, will measure things like cracks and tilts, and will also feature alert triggers and email alerts to capture significant events.

Sensor data will be sent across AT&T’s 4G LTE network to an IBM cloud. A secure web application provides a portal for customers, who will be able to monitor structures in near real time using the internet. All they will need is a web-enabled device.

AT&T