The affordable-housing crisis is acute in many regions, and one solution could come from a modern spin on a century-old technology: prefabricated houses, which now can be manufactured with precision techniques to achieve detail that traditional home construction lacks. If technological innovation accompanies an influx of skills in the sector, home construction could improve dramatically in terms of efficiency, cost and environmental friendliness, Nigel Wilson writes.

Transportation technology is helping Florida prepare for the next hurricane season. Traffic monitoring systems, dynamic message signs, remote signal management and integrated social media feeds are among the tools the state uses to ensure safe and orderly evacuations.

During the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in April, Shark Robotics' Colossus robot was placed in areas where it was too dangerous for firefighters to work. The aluminum-framed robot was originally designed to detect mines, but was adapted for firefighting.

North Texas leaders are planning for or testing driverless cars, air taxis, high-speed rail and hyperloop transportation options. Private sector venture capital investment is expected to play a significant role given the state's restrictions on raising sales taxes.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund issued a two-year, $500,000 grant to Wayne State University for a health information exchange that collects data on household income, crime, grocery store access and other social determinants of health and combines that data with local residents' demographic and health data to improve population health. The grant will fund technological infrastructure development and partnerships with governments, businesses, community organizations, foundations and academic bodies.

Gutermann, a leak detection specialist from Switzerland, has introduced what it says is the first NB-IoT-based noise logger to monitor water distribution mains for leaks. The acoustic systems are small and can be distributed throughout water systems, and Gutermann says they will perform better than the current products based on 3G or 4G technology by consuming less power and providing more coverage.