Latest news with #MichiganCentral
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Detroit deploys drones and AI to target building efficiency improvements
This story was originally published on Smart Cities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Smart Cities Dive newsletter. Detroit has launched a drone inspection pilot program for city-owned buildings that can identify energy-saving improvements and optimize performance. The drones capture visible and thermal imaging of the building; an AI platform developed by processes the images and building analytics to create 3D models and energy simulations that help city officials identify thermal inefficiencies, assess structural conditions and optimize potential upgrades. A partnership among Detroit-based technology incubator Michigan Central and startup venture platform Newlab, the pilot 'is a prime example of how public-private collaboration can unlock innovative solutions for cities,' said Tim Slusser, Detroit's chief mobility officer, in a statement. Detroit, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Central and Newlab in 2022 launched the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region as a real-world testbed for next-generation drone technologies 'to move drone technology from concept to city-scale deployment,' according to a press release. The number of use cases for drones in city operations is 'phenomenally high,' said Matt Whitaker, director of mobility innovation platforms at Michigan Central. Detroit had already established a transportation innovation zone to streamline permitting for new mobility solutions such as drones, and Michigan Central helped the city get Federal Aviation Administration permissions to fly the drones, Whitaker said. For this project, working with aerial photographers FlyGuys and drone operations management system Airspace Link, deployed drones to identify thermal deficiencies such as insulation gaps and potential water infiltration in three municipal buildings. It used the data to create 3D models it paired with energy simulations to pinpoint targeted upgrades that could reduce the three buildings' HVAC energy use by up to 22%, according to the press release. The final reports give the city a tiered approach to retrofitting the buildings, such as targeted weatherization at the curtain wall, replacement of specific failing windows, continuous wall insulation and roof enhancements. 'We are helping the city of Detroit, through the Office of Sustainability specifically, to identify vulnerabilities for cost and climate challenges,' said co-founder and CEO Tarek Rakha. 'Our AI analyzes and categorizes building deficiencies and uses simulation to clearly state the return on investment once we identify an anomaly or a deficiency.' Rakha said the combination of drones and its AI platform is '20 times faster, five to 10 times more affordable and 50% more accurate than [assessing thermal deficiencies by] regular means — including using drones in general because drones can collect data but not analyze it.' The company's technology can scan 'a huge number of buildings in a fraction of the time at a fraction of the cost because we're using our own AI analytics,' Rakha said. 'That makes scaling quite accessible.' Recommended Reading Drone as First Responder program set for takeoff following Trump executive order Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Boys and Girls Club to open at Michigan Central
The Brief A new hub is set to launch at Michigan Central for hundreds of young people. The Boys and Girls Clubs work to help young people, primarily those who face obstacles, reach their full potential. DETROIT (FOX 2) - A new hub is set to launch at Michigan Central, exploring an exciting opportunity for hundreds as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan expand. What they're saying The Boys and Girls Clubs work to help young people, primarily those who face obstacles, reach their full potential. "Super excited to announce our next Boys and Girls Club, it's gonna be the Michigan Central Boys and Girls Club," said President & CEO Shawn Wilson. "A big piece of that is workforce. We've been training kids in our neighborhood around artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, mobility, and tech." Expanding to Michigan Central means even more opportunities. "This gives our youth an opportunity to go to the next level. If they're looking to become entrepreneurs, now they're really plugged into a bigger ecosystem that allows them to learn what that means as they're creating their own inventions," said Wilson. Local perspective Michigan Central is excited to roll out the red carpet. "It's really a two-way street. It's creating an ecosystem where we get value from seeing things through the kids' eyes—the future, what they're interested in—and how do we ensure that they have a pathway to being interns for some of the startups here," said Michigan Central Chief Operating Officer Carolina Pluszczynski. It's creating a pathway to the future. "How do we keep advancing it? How do we make sure that our community around us is ready for it and really can take on those technologies?" she said.
Axios
03-04-2025
- General
- Axios
Best building winner: The Guardian Building
Most tours of Detroit include the Guardian Building — and for good reason. Why it matters: In a recent poll, our readers overwhelmingly crowned the Guardian Building as Detroit's top historic structure, celebrated for its colorful grandeur that evokes both churches and banks. By the numbers: Out of 253 votes, the Guardian earned nearly 28% (70 votes), followed by the Fisher Building with 18% (45). Michigan Central came in close behind with 15% (38), then the DIA, Belle Isle Conservatory, Masonic Temple and Renaissance Center. Between the lines: Nearly 13% of you chose to write in a candidate. Reader Paul C. went with the First National Building — a historic downtown gem he says "doesn't get enough love." It was designed in a Z shape so its offices could get natural light. Flashback: The Guardian Building was built for the Union Trust Co. with 1.8 million unique "Guardian orange"-colored bricks and opened in 1929, according to Historic Detroit. The building's ornate three-story lobby showcases vibrant geometric Aztec designs, along with Rookwood and Pewabic pottery, per Historic Detroit. Strangely enough, horsehair mats cover the ceiling in the lobby and the adjacent, stunningly constructed banking hall, making the space feel quieter than it should. Intricately painted canvas covers the hair. The bottom line: The Fisher and Michigan Central get a lot of press, but the Guardian just couldn't be stopped.
