AGILITY MAKES ITSELF HEARD
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BANQUE DE AGILITY LEADER
SMART
FRANCE PRINTER ASTRID GUYART, BUILDING: AFTER
DEPLOYS ROBOTS ATTACKING ON ALL FRONTS BIM? BOS!
AGILITY
MAKES ITSELF HEARD
New human-machine interfaces,
Voice assistants promise flexibility,
precision and efficiency in the workplace,
where they have not yet made their mark.
THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE - NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019
SUMMARY EDITORIAL
AGILITY PICTURE AGILITY FOCUS WHICH COMMUNICATION AGILITY CASE Energy transition and digital transformation
INFRASTRUCTURE are having an impact on everyday life.
THE CAMERA THAT
MAKES CITIES SMART
FOR THE SMART CITY? OSLO LEADS To cover these two ongoing developments,
4
32
THE WAY IN GREEN VINCI Energies created The Agility Effect
4DX-ENABLED CINEMAS AND INCLUSIVE as an information platform and a biennial
magazine at the end of 2016.
BRAZILIAN ENERGY MARKET
DELIVER THRILL RIDE
35
SMART CITIES
OFFERS VAST POTENTIAL
6
41 Three years later, our day-to-day discussions
BANQUE DE FRANCE PRINTER and projects demonstrate that the two trends
DEPLOYS ROBOTS are increasingly central concerns of our society.
MOROCCO FORGES AHEAD
36
WITH WIND FARM ROLLOUT
9 The Agility Effect's original goal remains
unchanged – to provide accurate and
ISOLATED FARMS
IN AMAZON RAINFOREST
AGILITY MAKES informative reporting about a fast-changing
FINALLY GET ACCESS ITSELF HEARD world that calls for agility to efficiently put
the energy transition and digital transformation
TO ELECTRICITY
10
21 promise into practice in cities, infrastructure,
buildings and industry.
VOICE MUST
THE AIRPORT OF
MAKE ITS WAY IN
THE FUTURE, DRIVEN BY NEW Over the three-year period, more than
THE BUSINESS WORLD
TECHNOLOGIES 400 articles, videos and infographics have
22 VIRTUAL REALITY,
12
SUPPORTING SAFETY been posted on www.theagilityeffect.com
38 to illustrate the issues on which we focus,
THE NEXT STEP IN SMART
BUILDING DEVELOPMENT our sources of inspiration and our innovations.
SMART ROBOT Our brand experts and operational personnel
AFTER BIM? BOS!
DATA SECURITY VIA
14 use it to discuss their work in exploring and
THE BLOCKCHAIN
40 HOW DUBLIN HAS BECOME explaining the main challenges facing
THE DATA CENTRE AND CLOUD the world of the present and the future.
AGILITY LEADER CAPITAL OF EUROPE
ASTRID GUYART, 44 In this issue, we take a close look at voice
technologies and attempt to see how
ATTACKING ON ALL THE THREE PILLARS their use will affect the workplace
FRONTS STILL AT
THE FACTORY GATES
OF THE DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION environment and require a new approach
18 24 IN TALLINN to security in communications.
46
THE SMART BUILDING I hope you enjoy reading it on
SEEKS ITS VOICE www.theagilityeffect.com!
26 AGILITY PICTURE
ROTTERDAM PREPARES Sabrina Thibault,
THE VOICE SECURITY
FOR THE SHIPS OF THE FUTURE Director of Communication, VINCI Energies
ISSUE
48 Director of Publication, The Agility Effect
28
SARA SPEAKS UP
30
AGILITY PROFILE
50
2 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 3
AGILITY PICTURE
THE CAMERA
THAT MAKES
CITIES SMART
The Blaxtair camera manufactured
by the Arcure company is designed
to ensure safety of worksite
machinery even more efficiently
than reversing radar. It builds
on artificial intelligence to learn
and recognize shapes and
movements behind a machine.
The system is used in vehicles
on the La Défense station worksite
west of Paris, part of the RER Line E
extension project. The image
recognition technology, an effective
way to ensure safety, is also used in
many other urban applications, such
as road tunnel monitoring
and traffic flow management.
4 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 5
decarbonisation rate, which Improving access to electricity in the north-east of the country
exceeds 45%. Hydropower is thanks to solar and wind power (in the states of Pernambuco
BRAZILIAN ENERGY
generated by giant dams like and Bahia), where winds are
the Itaipu dam on the Paraná River, Because populations living in favourable but demand is limited.
the world’s second largest power remote regions are so dispersed, This distortion means delivering
plant in terms of installed capacity Brazil decided to develop electricity where it is required,
MARKET OFFERS
(more than 90 TW per year), and distributed power generation thousands of kilometres to
by smaller structures like systems and install micro-grids the south, in the state of Minas
the cluster of dams refurbished that integrate photovoltaics and Gerais and the Rio region.
VAST POTENTIAL
by VINCI Energies brand Omexom wind power. As part of this initiative, “That’s one of the challenges in
on behalf of national distribution Omexom has deployed hundreds the country,” says Ferreira. “
company Enel. Work on these of mini solar plants in the south A national network must be built
structures involved “upgrading of Belem. to increase transmission capacity
electrical systems, in particular Wind power also contributes and secure delivery. The poor quality
instrumentation and control,” towards improving access to of existing power lines can lead to
says Ferreira. “Automation and electricity and indeed towards blackouts.”
digitisation have helped reduce optimising the energy mix. Its In 2009, due to harsh weather
manual tasks and give Enel head potential is estimated at 350 GW, conditions, Brazil experienced
office back control.” and generation is concentrated a massive power outage after
Not only does Brazil enjoy substantial reserves of offshore
oil, it also shows vast potential in terms of renewable
energy sources. But to realise this potential, the “continent-
country” will have to invest in its infrastructure.
Fifteen times the size of France accounted for 47.4% of Brazil’s
and as big as a continent, Brazil energy generation and 38.4%
presents a mixed energy picture, of consumption. Natural gas
characterised by its geography and is another abundant resource,
contrasting abundant resources – covering 72% of consumption.
both fossil and renewable.
“The point of energy generation
is often located far from the point Potential renewable energy
of consumption,” remarks Dominique sources
Ferreira, CEO of the VINCI Energies
Brazil division. “The considerable To drive its energy transition,
distances involved in delivering Brazil can rely on extensive
electricity make transmission, potential sources of renewable
and therefore access to energy, energy. Ranked third worldwide
a critical issue.” in “green” electricity generation,
Eighty percent of the Brazilian it is especially active in the fields
population is concentrated in of hydropower and biomass.
the country’s coastal areas, and These two resources alone mean
dispersed communities can remain that the country’s recorded CO2
cut off, without power, for a long emissions are 54% lower than
time, as in the Amazon rainforest. the global average.
When looking at the geography,
Brazil’s large reserves of oil are Indeed, Brazil, which has undertaken
located offshore, more than to cut its greenhouse gas
100 km off the coast and at depths emissions by 43% by 2030
of over 5,000 m. (compared to 2005 levels) as part
The country has a vast supply of COP 21, is a pioneer in biofuels,
of fossil fuels. Its primary energy and biomass accounts for 30%
resource is oil, with extraction of energy consumption. At 11.5%,
from offshore platforms set to hydropower accounts for less,
grow sharply. In 2016, black gold but it contributes to the country’s
6 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 7
MOROCCO FORGES
AHEAD WITH WIND
FARM ROLLOUT
Several wind power projects and Aftissat in the south
have been developed in of the region (200 MW).
recent years on the Atlantic The commissioning by Omexom
coast with the help of of the last farm in this series was
Omexom and are continuing finalised in June 2018 on the
to spread across the whole Khalladi site near Tangier.
region. The 40 wind turbines, each with
a 3 MW capacity, have a total
installed capacity of 120 MW.
Favourable weather conditions, Built by energy company Acwa
an exceptional amount of sunshine, Power, the farm will deliver an
and strong and regular winds on “annual reduction in CO2 emissions
the Atlantic coast make Morocco of around 144,000 tonnes,”
particularly well suited to developing says Anas Zirari, Omexom business
renewable energies. unit manager in Casablanca who
Indeed, the country plans to invest managed the entire Khalladi project.
billions of dollars in reviewing The electricity evacuation works
its energy mix and focusing on for the farm covered the supply,
“Brazil has a green 1999 in a campaign to build combined, and just 15% from low-carbon energy by 2030, when assembly, connection,
energy matrix in and strengthen its national network
with the help of Omexom, which
thermal and nuclear power. 52% of its installed capacity must
come from solar, wind, and hydro
and commissioning of the
various facilities: control centres,
terms of electricity is rolling out 1,000 km of 230 KV The share of renewable energies power. As an intermediate step in underground networks to evacuate
generation.” and 500 KV power lines. Demand
in the country is considerable,
in the energy mix increased from
39.4% in 2014 to 41.2% in 2015.
this ambitious roadmap, Morocco
aims to install 2,000 MW of wind,
the electricity generated by
the turbines, fibre-optic networks
since some 50,000 km of extra- But he warns: “Studies point to 2,000 MW of solar, and 2,000 MW power utility ONEE (Office national between the turbines, and
high-voltage lines must be installed the fact that while Brazil is seeing of hydro power generation capacity de l’Electricité et de l’eau potable). connection to the national power
in the next 10 years! a return to economic growth, by 2020, which will bring the share Renewable energy specialist grid.
the failure of three national grid installed generation capacity will of renewables to 42% of installed Omexom (VINCI Energies) in
HV transmission lines leading from be insufficient.” With its energy capacity. Casablanca has been involved since The electricity generated on
the Itaipu hydroelectric dam on Green matrix consumption set to double by 2030, To accelerate the push towards 2012 in installing several wind the Khalladi site is transported
the border with Paraguay. the country will undoubtedly a new energy balance, the country farms near the Moroccan coastline, via the ONEE grid and sold to
Some 90 million people (out of a Overall, “Brazil has a green energy have to accelerate the expansion adopted law 13-09, which including Haouma to the east Moroccan manufacturers at very
population of 200 million) in Brazil matrix in terms of electricity of its infrastructure, both for oil – authorises the private sector to of Tangier (50 MW), Akhfennir 1 in competitive prices. The added
were left without power. Around generation,” says Dominique by building new offshore platforms build renewable energy generation the south of the country facing advantage for industrial companies
90% of Paraguay’s territory Ferreira, listing the various sources: – and for electricity, all the while facilities and to sell green electricity the Canary Islands (100 MW), Foum is that they can showcase their
was also affected by the blackout. 65% comes from hydropower, pursuing its decarbonisation to private industrial customers by el-Oued to the south of Laayoune involvement in the green transition
Brazil has been involved since 20% from solar, wind and biomass targets. using the public electricity grid of (50 MW), Akhfennir 2 (100 MW) and sustainable development.
8 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 9
ISOLATED FARMS IN AMAZON
RAINFOREST FINALLY GET
ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY
As part of an initiative Solar photovoltaics,
to bring electricity to
communities living on wind power and
islands created by the mini hydroelectric
Tucuruí dam in Brazil,
Omexom has installed mini power plants are
photovoltaic power plants. all solutions that
This agile solution was
encouraged by the public should be promoted
authorities. to bring electricity
It is a cruel paradox that in the to areas that are
state of Pará in the Amazon
rainforest, the workers who built
“cut off from the
the Tucuruí hydroelectric dam, world”.
one of the largest in the world, on
the Tocantins River, 350 km to the
south of Belém, have been living
“in the dark” up till now. Settled
among the region’s hills, which
became islands after the creation fridges and TVs,” says Eduardo da
of a vast reservoir when the dam Matta, solar business manager at
was built between 1974 and 1984, Omexom in Brazil.
the workers and their families have The project has a strong social
had no access to electricity. Only dimension in the sense that it
a few farms had a diesel generator, “will change the lives of thousands
relying on a highly expensive, of families by giving them access
polluting and non-renewable to power,” he stresses. In a country
source to meet their most basic that is seeking to rebalance
demands for energy. its energy mix by focusing on
The installation on these islands of facilities are being carried out solutions, considered best suited to electricity to the areas in the Tucuruí dam meet the government’s renewables, particularly solar
1,361 solar panel systems between by Omexom’s Brazil branch resolving the issue of isolated areas. rainforest and Pantanal that are definition. The solar panels power, it also has an important
January 2019 and January 2020 is (VINCI Energies). According to the public authorities, “cut off from the world”. installed by Omexom in farms, environmental dimension.
set to change the lives of all these The project is part of the “Luz para which are financing up to 85% of schools and healthcare facilities “For Brazil, this kind of off-grid
families who so far have used oil todos” programme introduced by the costs of implementing these have a total installed capacity project (involving stand-alone
lamps for light and have preserved the Brazilian government to supply projects, solar PV, wind power, mini Social and environmental of 1.8 MWp. “Each system can generation units not connected
perishable goods in ice that they electricity to the 10 million-plus hydroelectric power plants, and dimension generate up to 45 kWh per month, to the grid) shows a new trend,
fetch by travelling by boat every people living in rural areas with even in some cases natural gas, which means enough electricity and Omexom is in the front line in
day to the mainland. Works on no connection to the grid. The are the types of energy generation The hundreds of islands scattered to provide lighting for a farm and contributing to its development,”
the photovoltaic power generation programme supports renewable that should be promoted to bring across a 40 km² area around the to power household appliances like concludes da Matta.
10 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 11
All stages of the passenger process, biometrics to reduce queuing to confirm the passenger's identity.
including check in, baggage drop times at security screening, Providers say that three-quarters of
THE AIRPORT
and security are covered. one of the bottlenecks in the world's airports will soon be
VINCI Airports is currently testing the passenger process. Optimised equipped with biometric identification
an automated self bag drop system facial recognition will enable the systems.
in three airports - Lisbon, passenger to go through border
OF THE FUTURE, DRIVEN
Portugal; Nantes, France; and Kansai control without having to show
International, Japan. "So far his or her passport several times. BIM and predictive
the passenger was only able to This innovation is in keeping with maintenance
BY NEW TECHNOLOGIES
check himself in to get a boarding the efforts of the main aeronautical
pass. Now he will also be able to industry service providers to make Digital technologies that promise
check in his own baggage," biometric identification the new to gradually improve the passenger
says the Technical Director. benchmark in the airport. experience also help to "better
The passenger scans his or her manage the facility," says
passport and boarding card at a the VINCI Airports Technical
Biometrics at the border kiosk and then uses its built-in Director, who emphasises the
camera to take a photo. advantages of BIM.
VINCI Airports has other innovations The software then compares The BIM created during design and
on the drawing board that use the selfie to the passport photo construction of new infrastructure
such as the airports in Santiago
From check in to baggage
drop off and security
screening, all stages By the end
of passenger movement of 2021,
through the airport are being
automated to simplify three-quarters
the process. VINCI Airports is of the world's
one of the main companies
leading this transformation. airports will have
Online check in and ticket storage
biometric identity
in smartphones are now giving checking systems.
the airline passenger a first glimpse
of the digital transformation taking
place in airports - but only a first
glimpse, since the transformation de Chile and Salvador de Bahia
that is increasingly being rolled out (Brazil) provides valuable information
is set to completely overhaul the air that can be used in subsequent
travel experience. State-of-the-art airport operation. For example,
technologies such as blockchain, the 3D representation includes data
robotics, and artificial intelligence on the location of a lift as well as
are now being used to provide information concerning such things
"smooth and seamless" travel, says as its make, year of manufacture,
VINCI Airports Technical Director component replacement dates,
Cédric Laurier. For VINCI Airports and maintenance schedule.
– which is part of the VINCI Group The noise emitted by a moving
and operates 46 airports around sidewalk can be processed
the world – the airport is more to anticipate a breakdown, send
than a transfer point through which a maintenance team and prevent
it must be possible to move as the problem rather than having
smoothly as possible. "It is a gathering to repair it. Predictive maintenance
place where people accompany ensures better performance.
their family and friends, and it must It also boosts passenger comfort,
be made more people-focused, by removing obstacles so
while making the most of digital the passenger has more time for
technology," says Cédric Laurier. himself or to interact with others.
12 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 13
buildings spreads, it is starting to mainstream is the capacity of platform that offers services with
show its limitations. The stumbling the players involved to overcome real added value. It is key to
THE NEXT STEP IN SMART
block is the same everywhere: poor their “silo” mentality and to find the smart building’s service-based
data accessibility and management. a way for buildings to function value proposition,” stresses Philippe
It’s precisely this building and intelligently at the operational stage. Conus, Building Solutions director
occupant-generated data that at VINCI Energies.
BUILDING DEVELOPMENT
is supposed to differentiate smart Its innovative power is based
buildings from older structures. Operating system on three things: visualisation,
“In its current form, the smart openness, and scalability. Directly
AFTER BIM? BOS!
building has not yet been able to In this, the market has a valuable linked to Building Information
deliver on its promises,” says Houda ally: the Building Operating System. Modelling (BIM), this Building
Matta, smart building manager at BOS is a central software platform Operating System provides
VINCI Energies. that enables “business verticals”, graphical, intuitive access to data.
While the increasing number of traditionally compartmentalised at Each of the building’s automated
applications using and generating all levels of building infrastructure functions is positioned in the right
large volumes of heterogeneous and use, to communicate with each place in a 3D representation.
data adds a layer of complexity, other. This means lighting fixture X in
the main issue to be resolved “The purpose of BOS is to transform office Y at the end of a corridor
before smart buildings can become buildings into a scalable digital on floor Z can be immediately
Next-generation buildings
feature more and more
digital applications, but
struggle to make them
communicate with each
other. That’s where BOS
(Building Operating System)
comes in – a solution linked
to BIM (Building Information
Modelling).
If the place it actually occupies
in the urban landscape was to
be measured against the media
coverage it receives, then the smart
building would today represent a
new benchmark in the construction
and maintenance market in
this sector. There’s no doubt that
it’s a growing industry.
“Smart buildings, in other words
buildings that incorporate
automated systems and offer
a range of services for owners,
occupants and operators, first
took root in commercial office
buildings but are now entering
other parts of the property market
such as hospitals, supermarkets and
museums.
What’s more, they are being rolled
out very quickly, across the whole
country,” says Aymeric Tissandier,
engineering & works director for
Building Solutions at VINCI Energies.
But as this first generation of smart
14 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 15
BOLD
TIMES
ARE
DRIVEN
BY
BOLD
PEOPLE
“The purpose of applications more specifically
aimed at building users, all of
modified in real time, connecting
BIM data with other sources
BOS is to transform
buildings into
these functional building blocks
must speak a common language,”
of building data.
SAMANTHA
a scalable digital
explains Aymeric Tissandier. “BOS will introduce new ways
of working to our operations,” adds DAVIES
SKIPPER OF THE INITIATIVES-
platform that offers New ways of working
Philippe Conus, Building Solutions
director. “To design and implement CŒUR SAILBOAT.
services with buildings equipped with self- VINCI ENERGIES,
real added value.” Throughout its lifecycle, a building learning and consequently scalable PERFORMANCE PARTNER.
will collect data generated by its services, we will need to integrate
occupants. In this respect, new areas of expertise in network
the Building Operating System plays architecture, data interpretation,
the role of translator to facilitate management, maintenance, and
identified and serviced remotely, the interpretation, analysis, cybersecurity for infrastructure.”
in real time. and correction in real time of user Furthermore, the VINCI group
“This spatial qualification of raw services (room reservations, lighting, intends to play a pioneering role in Digital transformation and energy transition accelerator, VINCI Energies boost the reliability, safety and efficiency of energy,
data requires all players to have temperature, air quality, connectivity, this through its future head office transport and communication infrastructure, factories and buildings.
previously agreed to share dialogue with applications outside in Nanterre (to the west of Paris),
standards. Whether infrastructure, the building, etc.). It ensures that which is due for delivery in 2021. GIVING MEANING TO OUR COMMITMENT AND LIVING OUR VALUES EVERY DAY!
computerised maintenance updates are made over time, “Archipel”, which is set to be fully
management systems (CMMS), thus protecting the smart building designed, built, and managed using
VINCI-ENERGIES.COM
Social icon
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Only use blue and/or white.
For more details check out our
Brand Guidelines.
BIM, building management systems from obsolescence. a digital approach, will be the first
(BMS), IoT or, by means of In short, BOS acts as an open, large-scale, real site to run BOS at VINCI Energies supports
a trickle-down effect, service dynamic database that can be full throttle.
16 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 17
AGILITY LEADER
ASTRID GUYART,
ATTACKING ON
ALL FRONTS
The fencing champion is pursuing a parallel career as
an aerospace engineer. In her spare time, she also writes
picture books for children.
Life has taught her - a determined woman - to adapt.
Astrid Guyart has learned to face up "I chose the second option
to difficult challenges - in life and so I could pursue my dream of
in fencing. As a fencing champion competing in the Olympics,"
who has won many medals, she says. "Learning the new
she has been recovering from knee technique enabled me to improve
surgery since November 2018. my game and move up a level.
At 36, she remains as determined as The new technique has now
ever to participate in the May 2019 become my special move, the one
qualifying tournaments that will my opponents fear. It is almost
select the French team to take part Darwinian: what enables you
in the Tokyo Olympics next year. to survive at one point is what
"Adaptability is the key to a high- ultimately makes you stronger."
level career," says Astrid Guyart. Astrid Guyart started fencing very
Back in 2007, following a hip injury early, at age five, when she began
that prevented her from performing accompanying her big brother Brice,
a conventional fencing attack, who is also a fencing champion,
doctors gave her a choice between to the Le Vésinet club on
two options: stop competing to the outskirts of Paris once a week.
maintain her health, or completely At about the same time, Astrid
overhaul her approach to the sport. discovered her other passion: space.
18 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 19Starry-eyed
AGILITY FOCUS
"The creation of the universe,
the Big Bang theory, fascinated
me," she says, and today she is still
starry-eyed when speaking about it.
Immediately after high school
she therefore enrolled in both
the INSEP Escrime fencing school
and an aerospace engineering
school in Sceaux, west of Paris.
"A lot of people at the time told me
I needed to choose one or the other,
but I have learned that it is
important to stay the course and
always believe in what you are
doing," she says.
And she demonstrably succeeded:
Astrid Guyart became a foil fencing
champion and also joined EADS in
you cannot succeed by yourself), discovered in 2016: writing picture
remain open-minded and curious books for children. "I wanted to give
“There will always (in sports, you have to be constantly my niece a book about sports.
AGILITY MAKES
seeking new techniques and But I couldn't find one that could
be people telling methods) and concentrate are fire a child's enthusiasm for stories
you that what important both in sports and at
work, when you are at a meeting,
about the subject - so I decided
to write one for her. That ended
ITSELF HEARD
you want to do a presentation to a client. In all up starting the "Les Incroyables
is not possible. these cases, you need to be focused
on the present."
Rencontres de Jo" series, in which
the hero, Jo (the name stands for
It is important In April 2019, Astrid Guyart took leave Olympics in French), meets a future
to stay the course from ArianeGroup to devote herself
full-time to preparing for the summer
grand champion," she explains.
Le Cherche Midi published the first
and believe in your Olympics in Tokyo in 2020. three picture books in March 2017,
dreams.” The event is a crucial milestone in
her sports career, but that doesn't
with "Jo, Haut Perché" on the pole
vault, "Le Face-à-face de Jo",
keep her from continuing to actively on fencing and "Le Rebond de Jo",
take part in the Athletes' Committee on basketball. Another book was Though they have now become a very popular consumer product, voice assistants have
chaired by Martin Fourcade, which added to the series in April 2018 so far made few inroads in the business world. In some settings, such as factories, workshops
is preparing and organising ("Le Coup de Main de Jo", and open-plan offices, ambient noise can prevent the devices from fully understanding voice
2006, Airbus in 2013 and finally the 2024 Games in Paris. on handball) and a fifth was instructions. In others, security of voice communications sent to the cloud, where algorithms
the ArianeGroup in late 2016. "Right now we are working on published in October 2019.
Having started out in the preliminary the design of the Olympic village. process the data to provide answers or trigger action, can also be a concern.
design office, she was appointed The work is very instructive. In writing, as in sports and in her Such constraints have prevented massive rollout of the technology in the BtoB environment.
head of the materials and processes I am dealing with subjects I am professional life, Astrid has learned But in the more or less foreseeable future, technological progress will overcome
laboratory developing new space not used to tackling," she says from her successes and also from these obstacles. Already, a number of industrial and service sector activities are beginning
technologies in 2016. enthusiastically. "We don't always her failures. "Victory confirms a to test the new human-machine communication resource, and business solutions
Does she take the same approach to realise it, but actually we all have step forward. Failure forces you to are beginning to emerge, mainly in customer service and e-commerce applications such
fencing and aerospace engineering? multiple skills." ask yourself: "How can I do better? as voicebots – chatbots using voice rather than written communication.
"I am the same person in both What does this setback have to
fields, and so I naturally apply the teach me?" Being dissatisfied
qualities I developed in high-level Virtues of failure pushes you to make sure it doesn't SUMMARY. Voice must make its way in the business world,
sports to my professional activities," happen again. It accelerates your p.22… Still at the factory gates, p.24… The smart building seeks its voice,
she says. "Being able Astrid Guyart intends to pursue progress," says Astrid, an insatiable p.26… The voice security issue, p.28… SARA speaks up, p.30…
to work with the best (in sports, another of her skills, which she competitor.
20 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 21AGILITY FOCUS by an agency, and €40,000 and
two months if provided by a
This ambivalence is inherent
in voice technology, which
and Spix for "technicians working
in Industry 4.0".
software publisher and its network simultaneously attracts and causes For the time being, the main use
of experts, says Hicham Tahiri, CEO concern. Conversational solutions to which voice technology is put
of Smartly.ai. are increasingly provided by in industrial environments is to
Despite these limitations, business companies such as startup Vivoka assist maintenance technicians,
solutions are beginning to appear, in eastern France, which offers for example those working on
VOICE MUST
primarily in customer service and software, and also Zac, a physical a power distribution grid.
e-commerce voicebots (chatbots voice assistant for the hospitality An American startup, iT SpeeX,
using voice rather than written industry. In June of this year, the has also developed a voice
MAKE ITS WAY IN
communication) but also company announced that it was assistant to control machine tools.
in workshops and factories. opening the world's first voice But before industrial robot lines can
According to a study by the Pindrop technology marketplace, Voice be controlled by voice, regulations
company involving 500 heads of Market, to help companies sort will have to change, since the
THE BUSINESS WORLD
companies and IT managers, out the wide range of chatbot and ISO standards do not yet cover
85% of companies will have other voice solutions now available. the technology. Work will also be
introduced voice technology to needed to demonstrate to operators
communicate with their customers that the new interface actually
by the end of 2019. Voice-controlled robots? facilitates their work, and to train
But 85% of them also believe that operators in vocabulary learning
their customers' fear of data Simsoft Industry, a company in techniques to ensure that the
abuse will slow the introduction southern France, has developed voice assistant understands their
of the technology. Vogof, a smart voice assistant, requests.
Voice assistants, a popular consumer product, have so far been little used in business
environments. Yet already, a number of industrial and service sector activities are beginning
to test the new human-machine communication interface.
Although Alexa, the voice assistant there are now 3.2 million such conversations via their speakers
sold by Amazon, has so far been devices, up from 1.7 million in 2018 were being listened to, including by
available only via Echo speakers, (according to the Médiamétrie human operators, has heightened
now in the United States, the huge institute), and between 16 and the concern.
American market leader has 20 million voice assistants via To avoid having to rely on the GAFA
introduced a new range of smartphone (according to companies for voice solutions,
Bluetooth accessories that enable the Roland Berger consulting firm). some 30 French public (research
people to talk to their voice assistant laboratories) and private (such as
via connected earphones, rings, Snips and Kwalys) stakeholders
and glasses. The development Noise and security issues have set up Le Voice Lab "to enable
reflects the success of the French and European voice
the new human-machine interface But in the work environment, ecosystem to compete worldwide
introduced in 2011 with Siri it is still highly unusual for people and to deliver an alternative
in the Apple iPhone. to use a voice assistant. In some to the existing range by offering
Connected speakers (Amazon Echo, settings, such as factories, high-performance IPAs and voice
Google Home, Apple Home Pod) workshops and open-plan offices, services."
have been sold in the United ambient noise can prevent
States since 2014 (when Echo was the devices from fully understanding
introduced) and in France for voice instructions. In others, Voice technology attracts but
the past two years. security of voice communications also causes concern
There are currently an estimated sent to the cloud, where algorithms
114 million such speakers in process the data to provide Apart from technical and security
operation around the world, and answers or initiate action, issues, there is also cost. Installing
specialist consulting firms expect can also be a concern. Such issues a voice solution in a business setting
strong growth over the coming have prevented massive rollout costs an estimated €300,000
five years. In the United States, one of the technology in the B2B and one year of development work
household in four already has a environment. The fact that Google if it is carried out in-house,
connected speaker. And in France and Amazon recently admitted that €70,000 and six months if provided
22 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 23AGILITY FOCUS
STILL AT
THE FACTORY GATES
Voice assistants are just starting to be seen in industry. But before an assembly line can be
controlled by voice technology, constraints such as background noise and data structuring
first need to be eliminated.
“ATHENA, warm up the machine,” to control procedures or task and automotive sectors Ventana
commands a technician with schedules by voice, access relevant has been working with SimSoft
a wireless headset standing by and context-driven information Industry for the past two years,
a machine tool. “The machine is that will help them, and report developing a voice assistant tailored
warmed up,” answers an artificial structured information about to its business areas.
woman’s voice. This conversation the measurements or observations
between a human and an AI system
to control machines and industrial Structuring voice data
robots could one day become
commonplace in workshops and
plants.
“Voice is probably “Voice is probably the most
promising of the human senses if
Indeed, a human-machine interface the most promising we’re speaking about productivity.
called ATHENA has been developed
by American startup iT SpeeX, which
of the human But it’s only just starting to make
inroads into industry,” says Thomas
is part hardware (headset, computer, senses if we’re Leseigneur, innovation manager
and peripherals), part software.
It can be used to control the
speaking about at Actemium, the VINCI Energies
industrial solutions brand. commands by the voice assistant, The system can check in the But manufacturers are still wary
machine by voice, request status productivity. But it’s Voice-based AI and learning is another major constraint, CMMS (computerised maintenance about having their data stored
reports, and coach operators in
other processes.
only just starting to technology will need to incorporate
the relevant technical vocabulary,
particularly from a safety point of
view. SimSoft Industry employs
management system) whether
the part is available and automatically
remotely. And if business voice
assistants use the cloud like their
This new way of interacting with make inroads into in other words the specific an ergonomist specialising in trigger, if necessary, an order for consumer counterparts Alexa and
machines and industrial robots
is still in its infancy, since iT SpeeX
industry.” characteristics of the industrial
environment, since language
language so that the assistant fully
understands the vocabulary used
the spare part,” he explains.
Voice assistants will need to play
Google Home, then data exchange
via an embedded system will need
only presented its technology in processing systems work by by operators. their part in the automation of to be considered so as to reassure
September 2018 at Chicago’s IMTS learning. “Voice is unstructured When it comes to reports, saying business processes, which still rely industrial clients.
show. It will be a while before that they need to perform. data, just like images. information out loud rather than on paper reports, and generate Once all of these obstacles have
the system has been tested, approved, This means that technicians So, voice assistant-driven data writing it up saves a lot of time in workflows between various been overcome, AI-driven voice
and made available outside the US. can work hands-free and remain structuring is key to properly document processing. “For example, workstations. For instance in assistants will one day be able to
In France, software publisher focused on their tasks, while utilising all the information,” if an operator is performing a assembly, where voice technology control the entire production chain.
SimSoft Industry offers smart voice maintaining connectivity with their points out Leseigneur. survey of a machine and notices will deliver a more seamless The outcome? Factories that look
assistants like Spix or Vogof for information system. Background noise, which can a problem with a part, they can log interaction in the production more like sci-fi films than Charlie
industry. Vogof enables technicians Parts manufacturer for the aircraft hamper understanding of the information verbally. process. Chaplin’s Modern Times.
24 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 25AGILITY FOCUS
THE SMART BUILDING
SEEKS ITS VOICE
Voice assistants, increasingly used in the home, have not found their way into the work
environment. Not yet. To do so, voice technologies will have to accommodate the specific
features and limitations of work spaces.
"Say Siri, open the shutters." "OK Interconnecting voice provide car park access for outside
Google, play the Beatles playlist." and the smart building participants, etc. In terms of
"Alexa, dim the lights in the living ergonomics, it is easier to use a
room." These requests to voice However, David Ernest, Director connected voice assistant than
assistants are becoming routine of Innovation and Business to use several separate software
in high-end apartment listings Development at VINCI Facilities, applications."
over the past several months. the VINCI Energies Facility Voice interfaces will no doubt
In the workplace, however, Management brand, says that be available to manage the many
voice applications must adapt "We do not yet have a voice service applications making up
to the limitations of the work transformation strategy but the BOS (Building Operating
environment. Although voice we are preparing its advent." System) systems that various
assistants are becoming a popular The first project will be to publishers are expected to soon
consumer product – there are integrate voice technology in be offering.
between 16 and 20 million users the work environment and foster "Several international IT majors
via smartphone and 1.7 million communication between teams. (Google, Microsoft, etc.) appear
connected speakers in operation
in France, according to the Roland
"Voice technology is useful
when it provides information for
to be developing such projects,"
says Diego Harari.
startup SPooN.ai, founded by
the inventor of the Pepper robot,
“Voice technology the necessary requests.
These systems are part of our
Berger consulting firm – voice others, and a nuisance when my Another technology tool coming which is building "artificial creatures". is useful when it service interface roadmap."
technology is not yet a focus of
attention in business properties.
neighbour says things of that are
of no consequence to me,"
into widespread use is chatbots.
Some of them are migrating
But the business model has not yet
been defined: who will pay to buy
provides information The VINCI Facilities Director
of Innovation and Business
As Diego Harari, Director of says David Ernest. from text to voice and becoming or rent the robot, and cover for others, Development says that he is also
Innovation and Sustainable
Development at VINCI Immobilier,
For Diego Harari, if tomorrow's
smart building includes voice,
"voicebots" that provide a human-
machine interface closer to human
the cost of ensuring interoperability
with the smart building?
and a nuisance confident that these voice PLCs
will not replace human beings.
explains, "Technologically, there the technology will interconnect interaction. Nevertheless, David Ernest is when my neighbour "The opposite may happen,"
are no obstacles. But interaction is
different at work and in the home.
with office information software,
internal and external service
confident that voice technology
will spread to B2B and predicts
says things of he says. "Employees will be able
to better focus on their actual jobs
I cannot imagine entering a providers, etc. "When you want to Which economic model that "the price of the technology that are of no because a voice assistant
meeting room and saying out loud,
'turn on the light'. This use case
set up a meeting, you need to find
a room, manage the diaries of VINCI Facilities is also keeping
will come down." He adds, "I think
that in the short term we will have
consequence will relieve them of tasks with
no added value, such as reserving
has no added value." the participants, order meal trays, close track of artificial intelligence small microphones to manage all to me." a meeting room."
26 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 27AGILITY FOCUS to protect against exploits, too”,
says Alain de Pauw. In terms of
with a client and one of these
speakers is there listening and
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and
Google Cloud Platform, startups
privacy, place those devices away transmitting the conversation such as Snips in France offer
from areas you'd rather it not to the cloud? This is also something a different model using a voice
potentially overhear conversations. to think about when using Skype, recognition technology for connected
The next step is to remove the ability WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams," objects that does not send
of your device to send data. says the division manager of Axians information to the cloud and instead
THE VOICE
Germany. retains requests locally in the devices.
There are solutions to ensure security Snips offers a suite of solutions
Cloud alternative for the cloud and on the cloud. building on the Privacy by Design
SECURITY ISSUE
The necessary measures include principle used in smart buildings,
These measures are not specific complex passwords, security sales booths, and household
to voice technology - they apply patches, gateway protection, appliances. The startup is expected
to all connected objects. However, modification of the default names to begin marketing a connected
for voice assistants, appropriate of voice devices, and the addition speaker in 2020. This alternative
solutions will have to be introduced of authentication layers. may prove beneficial for companies
to ensure security of communication Alongside the manufacturers of seeking to increase confidentiality
and transfer of voice conversations. connected voice speakers such as once voice technologies have
"What happens if I am in an office Amazon and Google, which use invaded the workplace.
Specific - especially security-related - constraints must be addressed when integrating
voice assistants in a work environment. Should a cloud solution provided by one of the major
American suppliers be selected, or a local solution such as those offered by a number of
startups?
Alexa is listening to you. at Axians Germany, downplays like smart City, Industry, Buildings, etc.
All the time. Amazon's voice that danger. "I believe that voice “When these technologies are
assistant is installed in all Echo technology is coming in any case. introduced in the work environment,
connected speakers and in We will then need to add a security the devices will be connected
the new connected devices that layer. But I haven't yet seen an devices. First, focus on the basics.
the e-commerce giant has just Amazon Echo on the desk of any
unveiled: Buds (earphones), Loop of our employees except for demo
(ring), and Frames (glasses). purposes," he says.
It sends voice requests to the cloud “What happens
to be decoded by algorithms and
receive appropriate responses. Protection and education
if I am in an office
But AI is not the only thing at work with a client and
here. It was recently revealed that
human operators listen in on
"The cloud and connected objects
must of course be protected with
one of these
some conversations without stronger authentication. speakers is there
the knowledge of the users.
The resulting uproar also involved
But actually, the most important
thing is to educate users about
listening and
Google and its Google Home what they may and may not do with transmitting
assistant.
Since then, the two American
the voice assistant. The same thing
applies to email or even Cloud broker
the conversation
companies have taken a range solution: What can you do and can’t to the cloud?”
of corrective measures to reassure do in an e-mail or where to look at in
owners of the slightly-too-curious any mail communication?” he adds.
smart speakers. In Germany, VINCI Energies also
What might possibly be tolerable carry out internal audits to assess Make sure your account, WiFi
in private life is not acceptable the degree of compliance with network, and other internet
in a work environment, where some security instructions governing any networks have strong, secure
conversations are strategic. communication channel (written or passwords hackers won't be able
Will voice technology now come up voice communication, etc.). Axians to easily guess. Regularly update
against a barrage of security issues? receives a large number of requests the firmware of your router and
Alain de Pauw, Division Manager related to IoT and smart solutions other physical internet infrastructure
28 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 29AGILITY FOCUS
Energy transition,
digital transformation,
more on
SARA SPEAKS UP theagilityeffect.com
The teams at Axians Portugal used artificial intelligence technologies to develop the SARA
chatbot platform, which is already up and running in Belgium and will soon be operating
across Europe as a whole. Voice technology is bringing major changes in marketing.
Chatbots, the conversational Cloud Business Development cards. With this technology,
tools used by customer relations Manager at Axians Portugal. Ageas can relieve its employees
departments, have become SARA is a multi-channel (Facebook, of low-value-added tasks, such
widespread in recent years. WhatsApp, Skype) tool that is also as questions about green cards,
Progress in artificial intelligence is a voicebot able to answer customer and instead assign them to work
now transforming these tools into requests by voice. on managing marketing campaigns,
"voicebots", giving them substantial When the conversational assistant which is of substantially greater
added value. One example is SARA, does not know the answer, value for the company.
the platform developed by Axians The other benefit of SARA is
Portugal. The teams of the the ability it gives sales personnel
VINCI Energies brand specialising
in the new communication
“To improve on to adjust their selling points in real
time. For the Axians Portugal Cloud
technologies developed SARA using interactive voice Business Development Manager,
artificial intelligence tools called NLP
(Natural Language Processing).
servers, the game voice technology is bringing about
a profound change in marketing.
"SARA was developed to create a changer is artificial "To improve on interactive voice
multi-channel integration platform,
remove the complexity of managing
intelligence.” servers in which a voice asks
the caller to press buttons to be
multiple bots separately, and put in touch with the relevant
create a standard development department - which consumers
practice for multiple partners. it forwards the request to a human often find frustrating - the game
We used Building Blocks with an contact. The first application was changer is artificial intelligence,
Infrastructure as Code approach developed for a Belgian insurance which substantially broadens the
(the process of managing and company, Ageas, which operates opportunity to converse in natural
provisioning applications through in 22 countries. "They tested language. Clearly, voice is the way
machine-readable definition files), the chatbot here in Portugal. business will be done in future."
cognitive services (simulation of The platform was designed to use To ensure security and
human thought processes in a natural language via voice and not confidentiality of conversations,
computer model), and an AI engine just text, so as to better understand as well as compliance with
to enable the chatbot to generate customer requests," says José the GDPR, Axians uses Microsoft
the conversational Intelligence that Marouço. or Amazon cloud services.
powers SARA's "intelligence". All conversations are scrubbed
The platform is prepared to integrate from the database after two hours.
and is trained with enterprise Added value The SARA platform will soon be
systems like ERP and CRM and 3rd presented at company roadshows in
party solutions like contact centres A quarter of the customer questions several European countries, including
and other bots," says José Marouço, involve green automobile insurance France, Belgium, and Austria.
30 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 31Analytical smart camera of the use of the smart camera, which WiFi is not enough. If, on the other
can recognise pedestrians, cars, and hand, the municipality has decided
WHICH COMMUNICATION
When a fibre optic network even abnormal vehicle behaviour to offer its residents this wireless
has already been rolled out in within an urban area to detect an Internet connection service,
a municipality, it can be used to accident. the network could also be used
serve different points if a high data "The analytical camera is more precise to interact with the citizen installing
INFRASTRUCTURE
rate is needed – for example, to and easier to install. It will come into the app. WiFi service could also
install analytical cameras, which can widespread use in the smart city," says be used to count pedestrian traffic
sometimes be more advantageous Stéphan Guidarini. This is particularly flows, as is now being done in
FOR THE SMART CITY?
than a network of sensors. In Lisbon, true now that edge computing can be Aix-en-Provence, in order to study
Axians has rolled out a smart parking used to process data locally and avoid how people move within the city.
solution based on the technology, reporting data that could be used to For services using sensors that
which combines video image capture identify people or vehicles. transmit relatively little data, low
and analysis not just to report data rate networks that consume
information on parking space little energy, such as LoRa and
availability but to detect inappropriate Promising 5G Sigfox, are appropriate. In
vehicle behaviour or wrong-way Aix-en-Provence, sensors measuring
traffic. Traffic analysis at the Place de Bandwidth is needed to transfer such things as air quality and waste-
la Nation in Paris is another example these large files and sometimes bin-filling rates send the data once
Fibre, WiFi, LoRa, 4G,
and soon 5G: which network
is best for a smart, efficient,
and well-run city?
The best answer is a
combination of networks
converging in a data-
sharing platform, based
on the existing urban
infrastructure, and focused
on open standards.
Fibre, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, LoRa,
Sigfox, etc. Which is the ideal
network for connecting the smart
city's many communicating
objects? None of the above, or
rather all of them, say the experts.
Axians (VINCI Energies) Business
Unit Manager Stéphan Guidarini
says that "There is no single,
universal solution for connecting
all the buses, cars, urban lighting,
and water and energy systems
that have built-in sensors.
The best solution for a municipality
is a combination of mobile, fibre,
WiFi, and LoRa. Each technology
meets a specific need, in terms
of coverage, reliability, and efficiency.
"The choice of technology will
depend on the priority – range,
cost, energy consumption,
bandwidth, latency, or data
transfer rate.
32 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 334DX-ENABLED CINEMAS
DELIVER THRILL RIDE
Equipped with this
immersive technology,
Pathé Gaumont cinemas
put viewers at the heart
of the action, giving them
a physically-engaging
experience.
Impressive stuff: 4DX, the latest
technology being rolled out to
“The core of term investment. The use of open
protocols is recommended since
the stakeholders in the region,
it is preferable for the city to own
rekindle interest in movie-going,
blows wind and sprays water at
the smart city interoperability is key to ensuring its communication networks," the viewer whose seat starts to
information system smart city efficiency.
5G technology, which has a
says Edouard Henry-Biabaud,
Business Development Manager
vibrate when the earth opens up on
screen, while flashes of light mimic
is the pooled promising future in the smart city, at Axians. lightning bolts from the movie
database that stores will not replace the other networks.
Its higher cost will mean that it will Communication networks are
scene… The South Korean 4DX
movement is supported in France
In the auditorium, two 6m-high
articulated hoists and mounts with
the absolute need to keep quiet
in auditoriums while screenings
and correlates be used for purposes requiring high the first of the city's three basic by the Pathé Gaumont group which integrated fans, scent diffusers, and are taking place next door and
the data reported data rates and high performance
– for example, to manage mobility
technological components.
"The second is the pooled database
is carrying out a comprehensive
retrofit programme, filling
strobes are powered by cables that
fold in and out “like snakes”, with
the 4-week period required
for the delivery of seats and devices
by the networks.” involving the connected vehicle, that stores and correlates all city auditoriums with technology to a capacity of up to 100 million cycles. from Korea,” says Jeremy Barque,
says the Axians Business Unit data reported by the networks. deliver the ultimate experience. As well as being technically complex, project manager at Cegelec Tours
Manager. Data centralisation is crucial in Having completed projects in three these installation projects involve Electricité.
a Smart City programme because it cities and with more under way, time constraints that call for tight
In addition to technical features, increases the value added delivered Cegelec Tours Electricité management, particularly in terms At the end of the 5 weeks,
it is important to consider other by the third component - the (VINCI Energies) specialises in of human resources. the equipped auditorium still needs
an hour to the city's Lora network. criteria when rolling out a city's applications that support new uses the specific wiring required for to get the go-ahead from the safety
The two-way network is also used communication infrastructure. for citizens and city departments. 4DX-enabled cinemas. committee and the South Korean
to send instructions to connected First, "Start with the city's existing The better these applications The combination of special effects is Time constraints supplier. Barque points out that there
objects to control such things as systems." Existing communication combine data from multiple achieved by activating sophisticated is not a single detail missing
smart watering of city gardens. networks can be re-used in sources to present a broad picture mechanisms in the auditorium “We need to be able to start a project at handover of the works, which
Lora is a technology based on open the new infrastructure. Then, representative of the way the city itself and in the articulated cinema 48 hours after the order has been are delivered without any complaints
protocols, enabling the municipality "To keep costs under control actually works, the more useful seats which move in all directions placed and to deliver a retrofitted from the client and on time.
to upgrade its smart city scenario over time and ensure that data they will be," says Edouard Henry- and feature concealed sources of auditorium within 5 to 6 weeks at Get ready for the ride with Godzilla
over time while protecting its long- governance is independent of Biabaud. ventilation and mist in the headrest. the very most, taking into account and the X-Men!
34 THE AGILITY EFFECT MAGAZINE NUMBER 7 - WINTER 2019 35You can also read
