Ineco and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) are launching a new observatory aimed at identifying biases and possible barriers in diversity-related mobility.
The Observatory aims to identify patterns and inequalities related to mobility and diversity, to raise awareness and sensitise about possible barriers and to incorporate reflections towards inclusive mobility, all using AI in an analytical way.
The creation of the Observatory, formalised today with the signing of a collaboration agreement, will allow, among other actions, to promote an environment of reflection, offer use cases and recommendations on mobility and diversity bias. The meeting, which took place at the UPV Rectorate, was attended by Sergio Vázquez Torrón, President of Ineco, José Capilla, Rector of the UPV, and Nuria Lloret, Professor at the UPV and Director of the Observatory.
In the words of the president of Ineco: "this agreement is not only a sign of the value that Ineco places on the knowledge provided by Spanish public universities, but also of our commitment to the development of technology with a soul".
Nuria Lloret, a leading figure in the field of technology and diversity,Observatory Director, pointed out that the advance and expansion of artificial intelligence has revolutionised society in many aspects, from the automation of tasks to decision-making in crucial areas such as medicine, education, finance, cybersecurity and defence. "However, this technological progress also poses ethical and social challenges that need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner, which is why this Observatory was born," she said.
The collaboration is developed on the premise that AI should not only be an efficient tool, but also a positive force that benefits humanity globally, reducing the risks that may arise from its use. The observatory will act as a centre of study and analysis, bringing together experts in ethics, technology, economics, law, sociology and other relevant disciplines to explore the complex interactions between AI, society and mobility.
The Mobility Observatory in Artificial Intelligence and Diversity collaborates with the Association of Businesswomen and Professionals (EVAP), Women in AI, and the Diversity Foundation as specialized entities in diversity. In addition, the women's network mINerva and the diversity network IRIS, both born at Ineco, will also participate. The data collected will be analysed for comparative use "with and without artificial intelligence knowledge".
A holistic view for the mobility of the future
This agreement is part of the creation of Ineco's iCampus network, an innovative programme for the promotion of scientific and technical research, knowledge transfer and interaction between experts from the scientific, technical and business communities.
Ineco already has agreements with other universities, such as the University of Cantabria, for the characterisation of the resilience of materials applied to railway infrastructure or the University of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, for the development of an artificial intelligence tool to optimise the design of linear transport works, mainly roads and railway lines. Within this framework, the company also collaborates with the Polytechnic University of Madrid through its Higher Technical School of Civil Engineering in the Digital Twins for Infrastructures and Cities Master's Degree, in which it mentors a digital twin use case to analyse the impact of major events on mobility in large cities.
The iCampus network will soon be extended to other research centres to advance in strategic areas for mobility and digitalisation such as noise in ports, or the influence of climate change on track superstructure.
Ineco, in the Community of Valencia
Sergio Vázquez Torrón, president of Ineco, also held a meeting with the team in the Community of Valencia. Around 250 professionals committed to the development of a more sustainable and connected mobility and who are involved in projects as important as the remodelling of the Estación del Norte, the works on the Valencia Access Canal, the Mediterranean Corridor or the SEGITTUR project, in which the company is working to transform the Spanish Tourism Quality System (SCTE) into an Integral Tourism Sustainability System.
In this community, Ineco has increased its team by more than 60% in the last three years, thanks to a portfolio of nearly 18 million euros, which reflects the confidence of the Port Authority of Valencia, Adif and the the Demarcation of State Highways in Valencia. In addition, the temporary employment rate has been reduced by 20 points to reach 60% of permanent employees.
