New partners Flasheye and Bosch joins testbed for smart traffic systems
Flasheye and Bosch join Kista’s smart traffic systems testbed. These collaborations aim to enhance urban traffic management and safety by leveraging cutting-edge AI and 3D LiDAR technologies. Together with other testbed partners, these companies will help advance the development of intelligent solutions and progress toward smarter and safer cities.
The testbed
The smart traffic systems testbed offers a unique environment for evaluating and advancing innovative traffic management solutions. Here, companies of various sizes, from all across Sweden and beyond, can test and refine their technologies in a real-world urban environment. The site is fully equipped with essential power and high-speed communication infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including the City of Stockholm. It also has a structured process and framework to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations when deploying and testing multi-sensor equipment within the designated urban area.
Flasheye
Flasheye is on a mission to make cities safer with their project, “3D Detection for Safer Cities and Roads.” Utilizing advanced 3D LiDAR technology, they gather real-time data from urban traffic environments. Their high-resolution sensors create a digital representation of the environment, focusing on shapes and movements while safeguarding privacy by only capturing silhouettes and shapes.
“By monitoring traffic flow, identifying objects like slow or stationary vehicles, speeding cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, we can collect valuable data on size, speed, and more,” says Ida Rehnström, Deputy CEO at Flasheye. “This data is crucial for developing solutions that prevent accidents and optimize traffic management in urban environments. By participating in the testbed, we hope to gain valuable experience and contribute to creating a certified solution for smart cities.”
Bosch
Bosch brings their state-of-the-art AI-camera technology to the testbed, offering real-time detection of vehicles and pedestrians. Their edge-based system processes data on-site, reducing reliance on cloud infrastructure and enhancing data privacy. With a focus on real-world conditions, Bosch aims to refine their algorithms for optimal performance. Their proactive engagement with regulatory bodies like The Swedish authority for privacy protection (IMY) ensures their solutions meet the highest privacy standards.
“The testbed provides a unique environment for collaboration,” says Anders Karlsson, PMM, CCTV at Bosch Security Systems. “By working alongside other leading companies, we can establish strategic partnerships, expand our industry network, and ultimately drive progress in integrating our technology seamlessly into existing urban infrastructure. We have already established several short-term collaborations within the testbed”
The future
Looking ahead, Flasheye’s and Bosch’s systems will help enhance urban management, setting new benchmarks for safety and efficiency. As these technologies evolve and integrate, they will contribute to a more responsive and adaptive city infrastructure, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and supporting sustainable urban growth. Moreover, the collaboration between Flasheye, Bosch, and other partners in the testbed creates a strong ecosystem of knowledge and technologies.
Curious about our smart traffic systems testbed and how you can get involved? Reach out to explore partnership opportunities, discuss your goals, and learn how our testbed can help you achieve them. Contact Lucas Uhlen.
Insights from our cybersecurity course
SMEs and digital threats
In today’s digital age, cyber threats are a constant concern for businesses of all sizes. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be particularly vulnerable. A recent report by the European DIGITAL SME Alliance found a 57% increase in cyberattacks across Europe, with many targeting smaller firms that may lack both advanced security measures and expertise.
This is where the recently concluded “Basic Cybersecurity” course aimed to make a difference. Offered as part of Sweden Secure Tech Hub, the course empowered participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Throughout the spring, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of core concepts through workshops, self-study modules, and practical exercises. This included threat identification, security measures, and risk management strategies, helping participants to develop effective defenses for their businesses.
The Cybersecurity course was led by deputy professor of Linköping University, Mikael Asplund, and Sakarias Strand of Kista Science City. Sakarias reflected on the course’s impact and the enthusiasm he saw among participants.
“Participants showed a great eagerness to learn and engaged actively in discussions and exercises. Many of them, who did not primarily work with cybersecurity, were able to connect theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This demonstrates the vital role of cybersecurity training for SMEs, as it links awareness and practice. As cyber risks continue to grow, educational initiatives like this one will be increasingly important in building resilient and secure business environments.”
Reflections from participants
Sadhana Pettersson, Sales Manager at Bouvet, and Jennyca Imner Nicolau, Business support specialist at Abbott Medical are two of the participants. We spoke to them about their experiences and insights gained during the spring.
What motivated you to participate?
Sadhana: “In the IT sector, there’s often a general lack of cybersecurity awareness. When working with clients in consulting services, it can be challenging to navigate situations where the understanding level is lower. This course seemed like a perfect opportunity to bridge that gap.”
Jennyca: “I wanted more insight into cybersecurity in general, but also saw an opportunity to meet others and hear about their needs and challenges. The fact that the course included in-person sessions and offered university credits made it particularly appealing to me.”
How did the course impact your understanding of cybersecurity?
Sadhana: “I think that it provided a deeper understanding of cybersecurity’s complexity. It opened my eyes to how it’s not just an IT issue, but a business concern as well.”
Jennyca: “The course provided tools to identify weak links in process chains, which I can apply in upcoming projects. I now realize that everyone has a responsibility to protect their organization from cyberattacks.”
Was there a particular activity or discussion that stood out to you?
Sadhana: “The threat modeling exercise was very engaging. Although it was a new concept for me, it was incredibly valuable. Learning how threat modeling can be combined with risk analysis provided a powerful tool that I can definitely utilize in the future.”
Jennyca: “The small group discussions were particularly interesting to me. Hearing about other people’s experiences added a lot of value beyond the lectures. Also, reviewing materials before the lectures made the sessions smoother, allowing us to quickly dive into these group discussions. Sakarias was an excellent moderator, guiding discussions in an inclusive and easy-going manner, which was crucial given the varied levels of knowledge among participants.”
Sweden Secure Tech
Sweden Secure Tech Hub is a national collaboration between six of Sweden’s leading science parks focused on enhancing cybersecurity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The hub provides a variety of resources, including educational courses and support for developing secure digital products. By participating in the hub’s programs, businesses can access the latest cybersecurity knowledge and tools, helping them to protect their digital assets and comply with international standards.
For more information and to sign up for upcoming courses, reach out to sakarias.strand@kista.com.
Kistas community inspirerar fler unga till en framtid inom teknik och vetenskap
Under Järvaveckan samlade vi Kistas community för att inspirera fler unga att välja en karriär inom tech och banbrytande teknologier. Köerna ringlade sig till Kistas tält där nyfikna kunde prova på VR-glasögon, regnbågsexperiment och att koda tillsammans med Kodcentrum.
Järva är framtiden – i dubbel bemärkelse. Här hittar du den största andelen unga i Stockholmsområdet, och här bygger vi transformativ teknologi för en hållbar framtid. Därför handlade de flesta diskussionerna och samtalen om vilka karriärsval, studier eller jobb som faktiskt finns att välja på – och hur man närmar sig dem steg för steg.
Vi behöver intressera fler unga till en framtid inom teknik och vetenskap.
En del av det arbetet kan göras genom att koppla samman aktörerna i Kista för att inspirera Järvas unga. Vi gör det tillsammans i ett starkt community. Årets närvaro på Järvaveckan arrangerade vi tillsammans med Kodcentrum, KTH, Rookie Startups, IBM, Ericsson, Stockholms Universitet, Vetenskapens Hus, imagilabs och The Kloud som är Kistas samlade fastighetsbolag.
Flera politiker besökte oss. Särskilt det biträdande finansborgarrådet Anders Österberg och Lawen Redar hängde kvar, löste kodutmaningar och småpratade med arrangörer och besökare.
Ett stort tack till alla som hälsade på i tältet, och ett extra stort tack till alla partners som hjälpte till med allt från experiment till att diskutera drömmar och framtidsplaner.
Arbetet med att öka intresset för teknik och vetenskap genom att stärka och vidga relationen mellan Järva och Kistas näringsliv fortsätter. Vill du vara med? Hör av dig till Mikaela Färnqvist på Kista Science City.
AI and the state of democracy
On May 22, we gathered the Kista Science City community for a deeep dive in artificial intelligence and democracy. Moderated by Binette Seck, this event featured Dr. Heather Ashby, a former US Government Security and Foreign Affairs Specialist. Dr. Ashby shared her expertise on how emerging technologies are reshaping our political landscape and transforming democratic processes and political campaigning.
The impact of AI on elections
In 2024, more than half of the world’s population are heading to the polls. These elections are happening during a perfect storm of new AI tools becoming available. Dr. Ashby highlighted India’s election as an example, noting the unprecedented use of generative AI. This election offers a glimpse into the future of voting processes influenced by AI, with tools generating deep-fake videos, memes, and audio to manipulate public opinion on an never-before-sen scale. This situation creates massive challenges for maintaining fair and transparent elections, demanding attention from policymakers and tech developers alike.
Harnessing AI for positive change
Despite these challenges, AI technologies have the potential to strengthen electoral processes. Several countries are already using AI to enhance democratic engagement. For instance, AI-powered chatbots provide up-to-date information on voting, candidates, and the electoral procedures, helping voters make informed decisions and increasing overall participation in democratic processes. These developments are crucial in countering misinformation and ensuring accurate information reaches the public.
To fully realize the benefits of AI and integrate it responsibly into societies, Dr. Ashby highlighted several important steps:
- Education and empowerment: It is crucial to educate people on what AI is and what it isn’t to dispel myths and fears. Clear and accessible information can help the public understand AI’s capabilities and limitations.
- Transparency and accountability: Regulations like GDPR are vital for ensuring transparency in how AI systems operate. Transparency builds public trust and holds tech companies accountable for their actions.
- Training for officials: Elected officials need adequate training in technology to create effective legislation. Without proper knowledge, the legislative process can fall behind.
- Addressing underlying issues: Tackling challenges like economic disparity, lack of education, and social injustice helps create a stable foundation for the responsible use of AI.
Looking forward: AI and democratic potential
When asked what she looks forward to in the fields of AI and democracy, Dr. Ashby expressed optimism. “I look forward to people, and the power of people, and their ideas. When you get people together to brainstorm and create something different, that’s what gives me hope,” she said, emphasizing the value of collective creativity and collaborative spirit of individuals to drive positive change and innovation. By harnessing the diverse perspectives and talents within society, we can develop AI technologies that not only support democratic values but also enhance them.
The conversation with Dr. Ashby underscored the critical impact of AI on elections and democracy, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. As AI continues to evolve, fostering discussions that balance technological advancements with democratic values remains essential. Stay tuned for more events and insights on this crucial topic.
Drone adaptation in cities
The integration of drones into urban environments can transform the way we live and work, offering solutions for a wide range of applications. As this technology evolves, it is essential to address the challenges and opportunities that come with it to fully harness its potential.
To explore these important topics, we recently brought together top experts from academia, industry, and the public sector for a roundtable event. The discussion focused on EU’s ambitious drone strategy for 2030, evaluating Sweden’s readiness and outlining the steps needed to ultimately incorporate drones into everyday life.
Discussion takeaways
Drones offer significant potential for current and future business applications across various sectors. This underscores the importance of innovation, adaptability, technological advancements, and, not least, a robust regulatory framework for their integration into society. Additionally, there is a strong need for clear public communication to inform people about drones—their potential to promote sustainable urban development, as well as the challenges associated with their use.
The discussion wrapped up with a consensus on several key points, including:
- The necessity of a national drone strategy for Sweden.
- Initial implementations should focus on areas like outer city regions, healthcare, and emergency and rescue services to effectively demonstrate the benefits of drones to the public.
- Learning from successful models in other countries, notably the Netherlands.
Participants expressed a strong interest in continuing these discussions, focusing on how Sweden can remain a leader in innovation and address questions about funding drone infrastructure, public acceptance, and the future of urban drone integration.
For more information and to stay updated on future discussions, visit kista.com and join the conversation on the future of drone technology.
