Spoke 1 Eng Archives - RAISE Innovation Ecosystem

ARTECOM: immersive urban soundscapes and personalized music creation to engage youth in the smart city

Posted on 9 June 202510 June 2025 by admin

The ARTECOM project – ARt, TEchnology and COMmunity: digital installations for inclusive access to the city’s cultural heritage – is affiliated with Spoke 1 and focuses on culture within the smart city. Its goal is to promote the enjoyment of art in an educational, free, and inclusive manner, through the use of urban technologies integrated into the fabric of the city of L’Aquila. These consist of digital installations based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The project involves a multidisciplinary team comprising computer, telecommunications, and automation engineers, architects, psychologists, music composers, and economists.

The first challenge of ARTECOM was to identify an effective communication channel that, by leveraging each expert’s specific domain knowledge, would enable the achievement of all project objectives with high quality standards.

The primary target audience is adolescents. Adolescence is a particularly sensitive period during which the beneficial effects of art – especially music creation – can have a strong impact, promoting active involvement as well as the development of personality and creativity. Among various music genres, the electroacoustic genre – though niche – appears to be the most effective in stimulating active engagement, thanks to its unique characteristics, such as the combination of acoustic and electronic sounds.

To this end, a state-of-the-art analysis was conducted to understand what tools are currently available to adolescents interested in exploring electroacoustic music creation.

A sample group of adolescents from L’Aquila with no formal music education was selected. This group was classified based on the results of a well-known psychological test grounded in the Big Five personality theory, which investigates five fundamental traits,

The results were analyzed using user-centred design methods, namely Personas & Scenarios, leading to an ideal profiling of five types of end users.

Based on this profiling, expert music composers from the “A. Casella” Conservatory of L’Aquila created five distinct immersive, dynamic, and personalized soundscapes capable of narrating urban complexity through sound.

The electroacoustic tracks were created using specific parameters derived from recordings made directly in the city of L’Aquila. The use of urban sounds helps build an intangible dialogue between the installation and the listener, evoking emotions and social dynamics.

The result was presented during the demonstration session (DEMO) dedicated to cascade funding calls related to the themes of Spoke 1 (plenary meeting in Genoa, March 31–April 1). It consisted of an interactive prototype for interfacing and personalized sound production by individual users. This prototype enables both personalized sound experiences and the collection of data useful for training the AI algorithm.

Personalization is a key concept in the ARTECOM project. Thanks to AI’s adaptive capabilities, user profiling is combined with immersive soundscapes: the algorithm suggests an optimal set of parameters that each user can modify to create their own musical composition.

Once the “ARTECOM box” has been field-tested through empirical trials, its contents can be easily adapted based on goals and context of use, thus opening the possibility for the project to expand to other cities in the Abruzzo region and, more generally, throughout central, northern, and southern Italy.

The ARTECOM project is led by the University of L’Aquila (UNIVAQ), Partners: Conservatory A. Casella dell’Aquila; University of Teramo, Collaborations: CUEIM – University Consortium of Industrial and Managerial Economics; Cykel -Web Agency & ICT Consulting.

ARTECOM – ARt, TEchnology and COMmunity: digital installations for the inclusive use of the city’s cultural heritage (CUP E13C24001110006) is funded under the call “Public notice for the selection of project proposals presented by public universities and public research bodies located in the regions of southern italy for the implementation of research, development and experimentation activities in the areas of interest of the RAISE Ecosystem – Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment”, published by SPOKE 1 as part of the pursuit of the objectives of the RAISE Innovation Ecosystem Research Programme funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU using PNRR MUR – M4C2 – Investment 1.5 funds.

Author photo:
ARTECOM (Spoke 1)
Credits:
ARTECOM (Spoke 1) and RAISE

Notify me, guide me, amaze me: GIANO App features for your smart city

Posted on 30 May 20254 June 2025 by admin

GIANO, the “recommendation” system for a more accessible and inclusive city, based on the citizen’s digital twin, was presented in April during two days dedicated to the Spoke 1 of RAISE in Genoa, at Palazzo Tursi.

In this context, the recommendation consists in sending personalized suggestions, adapted to the characteristics and preferences of citizens, to optimize the experience and use of urban services.

The event, which saw the participation of all the projects within this spoke, coordinated by Michela Spagnuolo (CNR-IMATI), was a valuable moment of discussion on how technology can improve the quality of life in cities, making them more accessible, safe and inclusive for every person, with and without disabilities.

Thanks to the interventions of the participants, the Giano team collected interesting ideas to strengthen the approach and optimize the personalized suggestion model.

In the GIANO app, available for iOS and Android, a dashboard shows wellness indicators and useful suggestions, allowing access to the various functions:
– Notify me: provides personalized information on wellness and cities;
– Guide Me: guides you to the service that best suits your needs;
– Surprise me: suggests city events tailored to you.

Avvisami, accompagnami, stupiscimi: le funzionalità dell'app GIANO per la tua città smart — Team di GIANO a Genova, Seminario di Spoke 1 | Autore: Elisa Bruzzo (GIANO, Spoke 1) | Crediti: Progetto GIANO e RAISE

The GIANO app is currently in the testing phase and is available only to a selected group of users.

A key aspect of the project is the interaction between biopsychosocial and urban data, which allows, in a single application, to offer targeted suggestions for wellness, mobility and active participation in city life.

The integration of the digital model of the city with that of the citizen is one of the main themes of Spoke 1, to which GIANO is affiliated.

The project GIANO app is one of the winners of the cascade call for Industrial Research and Experimental Development projects in the domains of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, promoted by Spoke 5.

The GIANO consortium is composed of Nextage srl (leader), Fondazione David Chiossone, T-Bridge and Stackhouse.

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The RAISE U-VIP Team at RomeCup 2025: technological innovation in the service of well-being and inclusion

Posted on 14 May 202514 May 2025 by admin

On May 7th and 8th, 2025, the RAISE U-VIP team – part of the IIT research line coordinated by Monica Gori and affiliated with Spoke 1 of RAISE – took part in the 18th edition of the RomeCup, an annual event promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale and hosted at Roma Tre University.

The event, a national reference point in the field of technological and educational innovation, brought together schools, universities, research centers, companies, and institutions, centering the dialogue between human and artificial intelligence for the holistic well-being of individuals and communities.

RomeCup 2025, titled “What’s next? Human and Artificial Intelligence. Challenges for Holistic Well-being”, was a strategic opportunity for exchange, experimentation, and dissemination of the most advanced technological solutions in robotics, artificial intelligence, and applied sciences, with the goal of promoting inclusive and sustainable innovation.

Within the exhibition area dedicated to research projects, the RAISE U-VIP team set up a booth to present some of the technologies developed within the project, aimed at supporting vulnerability and improving quality of life through high social impact solutions.

During the event, researchers presented three innovative tools to the public, the result of multidisciplinary research and collaboration among computer scientists, engineers, neuroscience experts, and rehabilitation professionals:
– Realter is a mixed reality simulation technology designed to replicate various low-vision conditions. The tool is intended both for oculomotor research and for training operators involved in visual rehabilitation, and can be useful to support teachers and care workers in understanding the effects of visual impairments.
– Insegno is a web platform designed to promote the school inclusion of deaf students. The system is designed for both group use in classrooms and individual use as a personalized study and support tool. With careful attention to communicative and educational needs, the platform serves as a valuable resource for teachers and students, in line with accessibility principles.
– AntiFoG, finally, is a wearable device developed in the form of a smartwatch, capable of intervening during episodes of Freezing of Gait (FoG), a common motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease. The system detects the onset of the motor block and activates specific stimulation to help resume movement, thus contributing to improving the patient’s autonomy and safety.

Participation in RomeCup represented an important opportunity for scientific outreach and dialogue with students, professionals, and citizens, strengthening the link between research, innovation, and social impact.

The RAISE U-VIP team’s commitment is part of a broader effort to enhance enabling technologies as tools for empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

CNR-IMATI for RAISE Spoke 1 at the FAIR National Roadshow Italy

Posted on 11 April 202511 April 2025 by admin

Michela Spagnuolo from CNR-IMATI took part in the Genoa edition of the FAIR National Roadshow Italy on behalf of Spoke 1 of the RAISE project, held on April 8, 2025, at the Magazzini dell’Abbondanza in the BlueDistrict.

The event, dedicated to promoting FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices, provided an important opportunity to discuss the central role of open and well-managed data in transforming urban environments into smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive cities.

During the panel “Smart Cities, FAIR Practices”, Michela Spagnuolo presented the Open Data Management approach adopted by RAISE, with a specific focus on the D4Science platform and the DCAT standard. These tools are designed to facilitate open, transparent, and traceable data sharing and reuse.

Her presentation emphasized how the FAIR data paradigm also underpins the work of Spoke 1, which is dedicated to developing digital solutions aimed at improving urban quality of life. Making data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable enables the creation of innovative services that support sustainable mobility, environmental management, access to public services, and more active civic participation.

Other speakers in the same panel included Andrea Tarallo (CNR IRET) and Enrico Buzzo (AMT Genova), contributing to an interdisciplinary dialogue on urban data governance and its practical impact on everyday life.

The event, organized by the European project FAIR-IMPACT in collaboration with ETT and the Data Stewards of the University of Bologna, was structured into two main sessions.

The morning session provided an overview of Italy’s Open Science policy, the national competence center currently under development, and the Italian Reproducibility Network (ITRN). The afternoon session showcased successful FAIR practices already implemented in Italy, particularly in the fields of environmental emergency management and marine and ocean sciences.

Michela Spagnuolo’s participation on behalf of Spoke 1 highlighted RAISE’s commitment to fostering a data culture oriented toward innovation and the improvement of urban life through the responsible, open, and shared use of information.

Spoke 1 of RAISE: a step forward for urban innovation in the Tigullio Region

Posted on 19 March 202519 March 2025 by admin

On March 12 a meeting was held at the Centro San Salvatore – Villaggio del Ragazzo, dedicated to the local administrations of Cogorno, Chiavari, Lavagna, Carasco, Ne, and Leivi.

The event was organized as part of the activities of Spoke 1 of RAISE, promoted by the Department of Architecture and Design and the Department of Education Sciences of the University of Genoa, in collaboration with the Municipality of Cogorno and the Villaggio del Ragazzo.

The meeting, titled “Replicable Scenarios and Scalability Logics of Demonstrators”, represented an important opportunity for dialogue between researchers and local administrators, with the aim of analyzing the challenges and opportunities related to urban innovation and participatory governance. Key topics addressed included the identification of critical issues and potentialities in the involved territories, the opportunities offered by digital technologies to improve urban governance, and the needs of local communities.

Participants in the initiative included Chiara Centanaro and Nicola Valentino Canessa from the Department of Architecture and Design at the University of Genoa, along with Stefano Poli from the Department of Education Sciences, representing Spoke 1 of RAISE. Additionally, Boyu Chen, a PhD student in the National Interest Program in Design for Made in Italy at the same Department of Architecture and Design, also contributed to the discussion.

“Working closely with Tigullio’s administrators is essential to creating a direct dialogue that allows us to grasp both the opportunities and the specific challenges of the territory. This exchange of knowledge enables us to assess the impact of demonstrators, adapting them to local needs and priorities. At the same time, it helps identify possible obstacles and develop solutions based on the unique characteristics of the context. The joint dialogue between administrations makes it possible to identify common solutions to transversal problems, creating a process of replicability in connection. Moreover, discussions with Tigullio’s institutions have allowed for the mapping of additional local stakeholders, both in the economic and social spheres, who could be involved in the innovation process. The contribution of these actors – businesses, associations, and other local stakeholders – is essential to ensuring the creation of an ecosystem capable of generating lasting economic, social, and environmental effects”, this was the comment made after the meeting by Dr. Chiara Centanaro.

The event was part of the Work Package From Inclusive Technologies to Inclusive Smart Cities, within Spoke 1 of the RAISE project, with the goal of developing data-driven policies and supporting inclusive decision-making processes.

This working session marked a significant step towards the construction of smart and accessible cities, fostering dialogue between experts and local administrators to promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable solutions for the benefit of the community.

The Smart City conference. Urban Technologies for Socio-Economic Inclusion, with RAISE research products

Posted on 27 February 202527 February 2025 by admin

The conference “Smart City: Urban Technologies for Socio-Economic Inclusion” ended with great success on February 20, at the Department of Economics of the University of Genoa. The event saw the participation of experts, academics and institutional representatives, who exchanged views in a pleasant and collaborative atmosphere, which characterized the entire day.

The conference was opened the introduction by Laura Gaggero, Vice-Rector for Research of the University of Genoa, about the state of university research on the topic of the Smart City, followed by a plenary session of keynote speakers:
– Paola Dameri (UniGe, Spoke 1), the Rector’s delegate for the Smart City, explored the evolutionary profiles of the Smart City from 1997 to 2030;
– Matteo Campora, Councilor of the Liguria Region, broadened the scope to the notion of Smart Region;
– Giampiero Biamino, Vice President of the Genoa Smart City Association, described the experience of Genoa;
– Alfredo Viglienzoni, as an expert, spoke about artificial intelligence in public administration.

The four parallel panels, addressing crucial issues such as ICT for the Smart City, rights and security, the environment and quality of life, and governance, mobility and territory, demonstrated the interdisciplinarity of the notion of Smart City, enriching the debate and sharing of ideas.

The conference also presented research projects and products developed by UniGe staff within the RAISE Innovation Ecosystem, and in particular in Spoke 1, dedicated to urban technologies for inclusive engagement.

The most mature contributions will be published with the international publisher Springer, in a volume of the Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation series.

The event demonstrated how collaboration and knowledge sharing can lead to innovative solutions for the cities of the future, strengthening Genoa’s role as a hub of excellence.

Authors of the photos: Cristina Chiaiso (UniGe) and Monica Bruzzone (UniGe, Spoke 1)
Credits: UniGe and RAISE

Spoke 1 Urban Technologies for Inclusive Engagement: a meeting of innovation and participation

Posted on 24 February 202524 February 2025 by admin

On February 15, 2025, the event Urban Technologies for Inclusive Engagement was held at Villaggio del Ragazzo in San Salvatore, Cogorno (GE). Organized by the Department of Architecture and Design at the University of Genoa for Spoke 1 of the RAISE project, the meeting served as a significant opportunity for dialogue between citizens and Public Administration.

The event aimed to present the activities of Spoke 1 of RAISE and Work Package 5 (WP5), with a particular focus on the participatory processes carried out by Task 5.3 and Task 5.4.

Moderated by Silvia Pericu, Chiara Centanaro and Claudia Porfirione, the event gathered experts and researchers engaged in the development of inclusive urban technologies.

One of the central moments of the meeting was the presentation of the results of the critical cartography project, which analyzed spatial perception and the well-being of the citizens of San Salvatore. Additionally, the co-design activities conducted using generative artificial intelligence tools were illustrated, with the aim of promoting innovative solutions for urban planning.

Another significant contribution was offered by the team composed of Renata Paola Dameri, Monica Bruzzone, Claudio Mancinelli, Dario Olianas and Enrico Puppo, who presented the prototype of the Urban Dashboard for Socio-economic Inclusion. This innovative geodashboard aims to support urban governance through the use of data, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital tools, fostering a more inclusive and data-driven approach to city management.

The activities of WP5 are structured around different areas of intervention, including:
– Task 5.3 – Interaction between Public Administration and citizens: this task develops strategies to improve dialogue between institutions and the population, encouraging active citizen participation in urban decision-making processes through innovative methodologies and digital tools.
– Task 5.4 – Design solutions for urban regeneration: this task focuses on identifying and testing innovative design approaches aimed at promoting the redevelopment and improvement of urban spaces through design.

The event featured a series of key presentations:
– Introduction to Villaggio del Ragazzo by Nicola Visconti (Director of Education, Training, and Employment Area) and Sara Capitta (Coordinator of Education and Vocational Training).
– Presentation of Spoke 1 activities with contributions from Michela Spagnuolo (Director of IMATI-CNR), Renata Paola Dameri, Monica Bruzzone (DIEC UniGe), and Claudio Mancinelli (DIBRIS UniGe).
– WP5.3 and WP5.4 activities at Villaggio del Ragazzo, presented by Niccolò Casiddu, Manuel Gausa, Silvia Pericu, Nicola V. Canessa, Claudia Porfirione, Francesco Burlando, Chiara Centanaro (DAD UniGe), and Stefano Poli (DISFOR UniGe).

Through this meeting, the RAISE project reaffirms its commitment to promoting technological innovation and social inclusion in cities, placing active community participation at the core of urban research and design.

The event Urban Technologies for Inclusive Engagement represented a significant step toward the development of smart and inclusive cities, capable of addressing citizens’ needs through the adoption of innovative and sustainable solutions.

Spoke 1 of RAISE at the National PNRR x Italian Design Seminar

Posted on 24 February 202524 February 2025 by admin

On February 13-14, 2025, the Spoke 1 of RAISE participated in the National PNRR x Italian Design Seminar in Milan, organized by the Department of Design at the Politecnico di Milano in collaboration with the Italian Society of Design (SID).

The event provided a significant opportunity to discuss the impact of research in design, with particular attention to projects funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

Within the seminar, the Spoke 1 of RAISE played a key role, thanks to the active participation of researchers from the University of Genoa. Professor Silvia Pericu moderated Session 2 – Design for Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life, alongside Professor Margherita Pillan from the Politecnico di Milano.

Additionally, researchers Niccolò Casiddu and Silvia Pericu from the University of Genoa presented the results achieved within Work Package 5 (WP5) – From Inclusive Technologies to Inclusive Smart Cities, with a specific focus on the following activities:
– Task 5.3: PA-citizens interaction and citizens’ engagement, aimed at developing strategies to enhance interaction between public administration and citizens, improving community involvement in urban decision-making processes.
– Task 5.4: Identification of design-driven solutions for urban regeneration strategies, which focuses on identifying innovative design solutions for urban regeneration.

The activities of WP5 fit into a broader policy-making framework, with particular attention to inclusion and sustainable growth in urban areas. The goal is to promote the adoption of innovative solutions supported by Artificial Intelligence in urban management while considering both the opportunities and the potential risks and consequences of their implementation. In the initial months of work, a study was conducted on the approaches and methodologies adopted in other urban contexts, with the aim of initiating an innovative process for digital transition and social inclusion in Italian cities.

The National PNRR x Italian Design Seminar served as a crucial platform for discussion among all design-related projects funded through the PNRR. Scientifically coordinated by Eleonora Lupo and Matteo Ingaramo (Politecnico di Milano / SID), the initiative featured the presentation of over 75 projects across 3 National Centers, 5 Extended Partnerships, 9 Innovation Ecosystems, and other funding measures, involving 27 universities across Italy.

Through these contributions, design is reaffirmed as a key driver of technology transfer and the development of advanced skills in digital technologies and ecological transition, actively contributing to sustainable and inclusive urban development.

“Smart City. State of the art and research perspectives”. The book by Renata Paola Dameri and Monica Bruzzone, Spoke 1

Posted on 16 January 202516 January 2025 by admin

Since the term Smart City was adopted, it has always indicated a multidimensional and multidisciplinary concept.

This is why the University of Genoa organizes an internal conference every year to create collaboration and discussion between professors and researchers from the various disciplines working on the topic of the Smart City, albeit from different perspectives.

Starting in 2022, interdisciplinarity has been increased by collaborations within the scope of RAISE’s Spoke 1, which concerns Urban technologies, or the application of innovative technologies to pursue individual and collective well-being in the urban context.

The book “Smart City. State of the art and research perspectives”, edited by Paola Dameri and Monica Bruzzone, collects in the form of an essay a selection of contributions presented in the interdisciplinary conference “Smart City. State of the art and research perspectives” (University of Genoa, June 26, 2023), organized as part of Spoke 1.

Smart City Stato arte e prospettive di ricerca Il libro di Renata Paola Dameri e Monica Bruzzone Spoke 1 RAISE Copertina Libro — Cover of the book Smart City. State of the art and research perspectives. Image co-created with AI | AI photo creator: Monica Bruzzone (UniGe), with Microsoft Copilot | Credits: UniGe and RAISE

Reading the essays reveals the state of the art on the topic, highlights research excellence, and lays the foundations for a comparison between the different disciplinary fields that deal with Smart Cities with particular reference to the relationships with the new frontiers of Artificial Intelligence.

The book is available in bookstores and in Open Access e-book format a this link.

A presentation of the book’s contents will take place during the second edition of the Smart City Conference, scheduled for February 20 in Genoa.

The program on the UniGe website.

Cover Image
Smart City. Image co-created with AI
AI photo creator: Monica Bruzzone (UniGe), with Microsoft Copilot
Credits: UniGe and RAISE

RAISE Spoke 1 at Genoa Smart Week 2024: Technologies for Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Cities

Posted on 2 December 20242 December 2024 by admin

On November 29 RAISE Spoke 1 participated in Genoa Smart Week 2024, a national and international event dedicated to urban transformation, digitalization, and sustainability. Organized by the Genova Smart City Association and the Municipality of Genoa, with technical support from Clickutility Team, the event is a vital platform for dialogue, bringing together companies, institutions, professionals, and citizens.

Genoa Smart Week aims to collect and share best practices and innovative ideas for developing future cities, making them more livable, sustainable, and inclusive. The event attracts a diverse audience, including public and private companies, start-ups, spin-offs, associations, Italian and European local authorities, academic institutions, and media. It offers a valuable opportunity to discuss advanced technological solutions and new urban development strategies to enhance the quality of life in modern cities.

During the event, RAISE Spoke 1 hosted a workshop at the Salone di Rappresentanza of Palazzo Tursi, focusing on innovative technologies designed to make cities more connected and human-centered. Moderated by Michela Spagnuolo, Director of CNR-IMATI, the workshop featured experts such as Monica Gori from IIT, Massimo Massa from AITEK, Elia Moscoso Thompson from CNR-IMATI and Monica Bruzzone from the University of Genoa.

The workshop highlighted key advancements in the project, showcasing several breakthrough technologies. Among them was the Citizen Digital Twin, a virtual representation of citizens’ individual characteristics and personal conditions, enabling personalized urban services to improve everyday city experiences.

Another innovation presented was the Urban Data Platform, an advanced system for real-time data integration and management that provides an accurate and up-to-date view of the urban environment. This tool supports administrative decision-making and enhances citizens’ quality of life. Additionally, a 3D City Model was introduced—a detailed urban representation useful for infrastructure analysis, urban planning, and identifying physical barriers.

The workshop also delved into the first real-world applications of these technologies. The Mobility Demonstrator, initially to be implemented at San Martino Hospital in Genoa, is designed to optimize urban mobility, assisting citizens throughout their journeys with various components for a smoother and safer travel experience.

The School Demonstrator, currently under development in nine Genoese schools, aims to improve the educational experience through innovative and inclusive digital tools.

Finally, the Urban Dashboard, an advanced platform for policymakers, was presented as a tool to help city administrations manage urban areas based on real-time data and citizens’ actual needs.

The day concluded with an interactive discussion among experts, administrators, and stakeholders, who explored the challenges and opportunities that technology offers for urban transformation.

RAISE Spoke 1’s participation in Genoa Smart Week 2024 reaffirms the project’s crucial role in developing innovative solutions for building smarter, more sustainable cities focused on citizen well-being.

This commitment represents a significant step toward a fairer, more inclusive urban future, capable of meeting contemporary societal needs and improving the quality of life.