In Brief

Publications Pictures of the Future Spring 2004

MegaCities

According to the UN, nearly all global population growth over the next 30 years will be concentrated in urban regions. By 2030 there will be two billion more people living in the worlds cities than there are today, putting a huge strain on urban infrastructures. Siemens is helping to improve the quality of urban life around the world, as witnessed by its activities in various megacities(Shanghai, New York and Athens)
In Shanghai, Siemens is helping build the most efficient coal-fired power plant in China, as well as state-of-the-art water-purification facilities, hospitals, skyscrapers, an airport, and transportation systems. In New York, Siemens is installing a control system for the entire subway system, and in Athens it is helping build much of the infrastructure for the 2004 Olympics(see Shanghai, New York and Athens)
In Munich, Siemens is creating a new open urban district, including office buildings, 1,500 apartments, kindergartens, restaurants and hotels(more)
Municipalities are setting up e-government systems to help improve their relations with citizens. Smartcards with biometric data are being used as personal IDs, thereby enhancing security, while online dealings with public authorities are cutting costs(see Facts and Forecasts and Digitale City)
Telematics systems will help reduce traffic jams in metropolitan areas. Siemens is setting up traffic-management centers and creating systems that use sensors and intelligent software to automatically adjust traffic lights in line with traffic flow. Electronic tickets are making public transport more convenient, as are automated subway trains that run at 90-second intervals(more)
In the future, mobile terminals could serve as guides in cities. Siemens already offers a range of location-based services, e.g. cell phones that function like walkie-talkies, thus facilitating communication between friends(more)
Networked communication technologies in the home will open up new dimensions of comfort, entertainment and security. Cell phones will open doors, control kitchen appliances and alarms, and TVs will download movies from the Internet(more)