Abstract
Modern organizations face numerous physical security threats, from fire hazards to more intricate concerns regarding surveillance and unauthorized personnel. Conventional standalone fire and intrusion detection solutions must be installed and maintained independently, which leads to high capital and operational costs. Nonetheless, due to recent developments in smart sensors, computer vision techniques, and wireless communication technologies, these solutions can be integrated in a modular and low-cost manner. This work introduces Integrated Physical Security System (IP2S), a multi-agent system capable of coordinating diverse Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and actuators for an efficient mitigation of multiple physical security events. The proposed system was tested in a live case study that combined fire and intrusion detection in an industrial shop floor environment with four different sectors, two surveillance cameras, and a firefighting robot. The experimental results demonstrate that the integration of several events in a single automated system can be advantageous for the security of smart buildings, reducing false alarms and delays. © 2024 Author(s).

Abstract
Billions of interconnected Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and devices collect tremendous amounts of data from real-world scenarios. Big data is generating increasing interest in a wide range of industries. Once data is analyzed through compute-intensive Machine Learning (ML) methods, it can derive critical business value for organizations. Powerful platforms are essential to handle and process such massive collections of information cost-effectively and conveniently. This work introduces a distributed and scalable platform architecture that can be deployed for efficient real-world big data collection and analytics. The proposed system was tested with a case study for Predictive Maintenance of Home Appliances, where current and vibration sensors with high acquisition frequency were connected to washing machines and refrigerators. The introduced platform was used to collect, store, and analyze the data. The experimental results demonstrated that the presented system could be advantageous for tackling real-world IoT scenarios in a cost-effective and local approach. © 2022 IEEE.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
Intelligent energy management strategies, such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Grid-to-Vehicle (V1G) emerge as a potential solution to the Electric Vehicles’ (EVs) integration into the energy grid. These strategies promise enhanced grid resilience and economic benefits for both vehicle owners and grid operators. Despite the announced perspective, the adoption of these strategies is still hindered by an array of operational problems. Key among these is the lack of a simulation platform that allows to validate and refine V2G and V1G strategies. Including the development, training, and testing in the context of Energy Communities (ECs) incorporating multiple flexible energy assets. Addressing this gap, first we introduce the EVLearn, an open-source extension for the existing CityLearn simulation framework. EVLearn provides both V2G and V1G energy management simulation capabilities into the study of broader energy management strategies of CityLearn by modeling EVs, their charging infrastructure and associated energy flexibility dynamics. Results validated the extension of CityLearn, where the impact of these strategies is highlighted through a comparative simulation scenario. © The Author(s) 2025.

Abstract
The rising adoption rates and integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) into the energy grid introduces complex challenges, including the need to balance supply and demand and smooth peak consumptions. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions such as Demand Response (DR), Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), and more specifically for EVs, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). However, existing V2G approaches often fall short in real-world applicability, adaptability, and user engagement. To bridge this gap, this paper proposes EnergAIze, a Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) energy management algorithm leveraging the Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) algorithm. EnergAIze enables user-centric multi-objective energy management by allowing each prosumer to select from a range of personal management objectives. Additionally, it architects' data protection and ownership through decentralized deployment, where each prosumer can situate an energy management node directly at their own dwelling. The local node not only manages local EVs and other energy assets but also fosters REC wide optimization. EnergAIze is evaluated through a case study using the CityLearn framework. The results show reduction in peak loads, ramping, carbon emissions, and electricity costs at the REC level while optimizing for individual prosumers objectives.