Very few other companies can match Siemens' exceptional know-how for the development of sensors, actuators, software or for information and communication technology. These technologies are the basis of intelligent networking and are already being applied worldwide - in self-organizing telephone networks and equally so in amusement parks or in industry. Intelligent networked video systems monitor the traffic and independently recognize fires in the Giswil Tunnel in Switzerland. In an emergency, the system triggers a chain reaction of alarm and safety measures and, through this, saves lives. In the Ruhr region, Europe's largest conurbation, Siemens technology enables collecting the information on the traffic density and the direction and speed of motor vehicles. From this data, a central computer determines the current traffic situation and transmits this information to motorists via radio, cell phone or internet. Networked systems from Siemens also ensure more safety and improved comfort in buildings. A good example is the T-Com House in Berlin. Here almost all electric equipment is interlinked with each other and can communicate with one another. All systems are centrally controlled via PDA - from the TV, lights and alarm system to the Venetian blinds, telephone and washing machine. In the tallest building in the world, the Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan, networked building automation systems from Siemens ensures the correct climate and security. These systems make the 500 meter tall skyscraper not only one of the world's safest buildings, but, in addition, reduce operating costs. The warehouses of large mail-order companies are networked with radio labels or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transponders from Siemens that make logistic processes more transparent and, hence, accelerate the flow of goods. At the moment, Siemens is the only company that offers RFID all-in-one systems.
