An international consortium of which Siemens is a part is currently developing new technologies for flood protection in order to create a global monitoring system. For the experimental dikes (in the Netherlands) built for “UrbanFlood,” the most important elements are sensors and learning software. The researchers allow a dike to erode in a targeted manner in order to find out what happens during a dike break. They then use the measured data to adjust the software and develop forecasting procedures. The idea goes back to Siemens researcher Bernhard Lang, who with his work won the Siemens-wide idea competition for sustainability in the category “Sustainable Portfolio Ideas.” An additional test has been underway since 2010 on the Livedijk. The system continuously monitors the barriers, indicates weak points, and warns if there is threat of breakage. The project is set to run for two years. www.siemens.com