Even traffic intersections are smarter than they used to be. The Intelligent Traffic Intersection System (ITIS) from USA Signal Technology lets city officials keep traffic lights working during catastrophes, direct traffic flow in evacuations, monitor accidents, and even provide broadband WiFi access to the community.

In an ITIS intersection, traffic lights, videocams, and pollution sensors are wirelessly connected to a remote control center. RFID tags can be attached to city vehicles, buses or hazardous cargo and report back to the control center when they pass through the intersection.

The WiFi mesh network used for the system can provide Internet connectivity to neighborhoods as well as to riders on buses and commuter trains. Battery backups keep the system functioning even when the electric power is out.

And, as if all that weren't enough, the system calls the repair crew to tell it when anything is out of order.