AEOPAS and the University of Seville, winners of the Andalusian Economic and Social Council’s 2023 Research Award.
The Spanish Blue Community Association of Public Water Supply and Sanitation Operators (AEOPAS) and the University of Seville have been distinguished with the 2023 Research Prize awarded by the Economic and Social Council of Andalusia (CES-A) for their innovative study ‘Caring for vulnerable people in rural areas through Artificial Intelligence and remote reading of municipal water services’.
The award recognises the excellence and impact of the research work carried out by an interdisciplinary team of experts, led by University of Seville professors Ramón González Carvajal and Antonio Jesús Torralba Silgado, together with Luis Babiano Amelibia, manager of AEOPAS, and Antonio Ramírez Ramírez, project technician at the same organisation.A pioneering study for the inclusive digitisation of water
The winning project proposes a transformative vision of the management of the integral water cycle in rural areas through the use of advanced technologies such as the remote reading of smart meters and Artificial Intelligence. Its objective is to detect water consumption patterns that may reveal situations of social and economic vulnerability, enabling early intervention by social services and improving the quality of life of groups at risk.
The research highlights the ability of public water utilities to become agents of social cohesion, integrating digital tools into their services to ensure not only access to water, but also the protection of the most vulnerable.
Recognition of innovation and social commitment
With this award, the CES-A wanted to highlight the importance of digitalisation in the management of water resources, not only in terms of efficiency, but also as a mechanism for inclusion and support of the rural population. The award ceremony took place at the CaixaForum Auditorium in Seville, with the participation of authorities from the sector, academics and members of the public administration.
In the words of Luis Babiano, director of AEOPAS, “this recognition confirms our commitment to a model of water management that not only optimises resources, but also generates a positive social impact, ensuring that technology is at the service of people”.
