TIM pushes IoT, AI potential for Italian infrastructure

Telecom Italia’s TIM Research Centre claims widespread use of digital tools such as drones, sensors, robotics and AI could significantly cut costs and improve reliability across Italy’s key infrastructure. In a new report produced with Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, Politecnico di Milano’s Osservatori Digital Innovation and Comtel Innovation, TIM points to predictive maintenance for water and energy networks and real-time monitoring of roads as core applications, supported by 5G connectivity and stronger cybersecurity.

The report estimates smart monitoring on roads could prevent up to 27% of problems on older structures and cut operating costs for tunnels, bridges and roads by up to 31%. For electricity grids, IoT sensors and management platforms are projected to improve reliability and save almost €700 million per year, while a shift toward smart grids would help integrate more renewable energy. In the water sector, TIM forecasts potential savings of €2.6 billion by 2030 through smart meters and systems that track consumption and detect hidden leaks in real time. TIM executive Elio Schiavo argues that delaying the digital upgrade of Italy’s infrastructure is no longer an option, framing it as a security, efficiency and sustainability issue.