The $1bn city where human beings are not welcome
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A scientific ghost town in New Mexico's oil and gas country will hum with the latest next-generation technology – but no people.
A $1bn city without residents will be developed in Lea County near Hobbs, officials announced, to help researchers test everything from intelligent traffic systems and next-generation wireless networks to automated washing machines and self-flushing toilets.
The Mayor of Hobbs, Sam Cobb, said the unique research facility that looks like an empty city will diversify the economy of the nearby community, which, after the oil bust of the 1980s, saw bumper stickers asking the last person to leave the area to turn out the lights.
"It brings so many great opportunities and puts us on a world stage," Mr Cobb said.
The Centre for Innovation, Technology and Testing is being billed as a first-of-its kind smart city that will be developed on about 15 square miles. The town will be modelled on the real city of Rock Hill in South Carolina, complete with highways, houses and commercial buildings, old and new.
The idea is to enable researchers to test new technologies without interfering in everyday life. For example, while some researchers will test smart technologies on old grids, others might use the streets to test self-driving cars.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments