AI and motorway safety: field test of new fire-fighting systems in Mestre

Artificial intelligence and advanced technologies at the service of motorway network safety. This is the focus of the operational exercise promoted by Autostrade dello Stato and Concessioni Autostradali Venete (Cav) to field test new digital systems dedicated to the prevention and management of emergencies in tunnels. During the operation, a tunnel fire was simulated on the A4 Passante di Mestre, with demonstration activities at the San Silvestro subway and the intervention of the Fire Brigade of the Venice Mestre Command. This operational test allowed the testing of a system based on artificial intelligence algorithms that can promptly identify fire signals, such as the presence of smoke, and activate faster and more effective intervention procedures, also supported by robotic technologies for emergency operations.

The initiative is part of the broader path of technological innovation launched by Autostrade dello Stato through Strive, the platform dedicated to the development and testing of innovative projects for motorway infrastructure management. The aim is to make the network safer, smarter and more innovative through the integrated use of advanced sensors, digital monitoring systems and real-time data analysis for infrastructures such as bridges, viaducts and tunnels. Technologies such as drones, robots and digital inspection systems, integrated with artificial intelligence, enable faster and more accurate checks and strengthen the capacity for risk prevention and management, improving safety for road users and the effectiveness of rescue operations.

Says regional councillor Marco Zecchinato: 'The Veneto region confirms itself as an avant-garde laboratory for infrastructure innovation. This experimentation shows how artificial intelligence is a concrete ally in raising safety standards on our network: integrating predictive technologies and robotic systems means shortening reaction times and, above all, protecting the lives of travellers and rescue operators. The synergy between Cav, the operational arm of the Region, Autostrade dello Stato and the Fire Brigade is the winning model for transforming our arteries into increasingly smart, resilient and interconnected infrastructures".

Vito Cozzoli, CEO of Autostrade dello Stato, explains: 'Autostrade dello Stato is taking the field with innovation in the service of safety. Our challenge is to make the motorway network more intelligent, innovative, efficient and safe. Technology and AI make it possible to anticipate possible critical situations and intervene promptly, becoming a concrete tool to protect travelling users, emergency workers and those working on the infrastructure".