What civil engineers are reading this week

• New AI road map offers civil engineers guidance for responsible use of technology

  ASCE’s AI Roadmap for Application in Civil Engineering provides a structured approach to integrating artificial intelligence into civil engineering work. Now is the time for civil engineers to take the lead.

• Air taxis take flight in Texas

  Joby Aviation began demonstration flights in North Texas, while Archer Aviation plans to build out a charging network across the state for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

• Virginia moves closer to passing laws that would regulate self-driving vehicles

  A proposed framework focuses on commercial uses as debates continue over safety, data collection, and worker protections.

• Planting tree canopies helps cities mitigate air pollution and heat – where space allows

  The urban heat island effect hits lower-income areas hardest, but research shows developing tree canopies makes a difference. What are the challenges for civil engineers and how can they be overcome?

• Department of Transportation unveils revamped automated vehicles strategy

  The new strategic plan for automated vehicles aims to “slash unnecessary red tape, modernize critical regulations, prioritize safety, and enable [their] safe development and deployment.”

• Rare earths recycler opens first US facility in Arizona

  Cyclic Materials’ $20 million site can recover magnets from wasted automotive parts, robotics and other electronics and repurpose them into rare earths and critical minerals.