Smart cities are coming: How artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are changing urban life

# As cities around the world become more crowded and complex, the need for innovative, efficient solutions has never been greater. Smart cities – which once felt like a futuristic pipe dream – are becoming the answer, leveraging advanced technologies to optimize infrastructure, services and resources.

For those curious about what makes a city truly smart, look no further than the powerful pairing of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This combination of innovative technologies is changing the way we live and interact with our urban environment. As the founder of a company that works closely with municipalities and organizations around the world—from Taiwan to Mexico to the Philippines—I have the opportunity to see firsthand how powerful these technologies can be when they work together.

With artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things as drivers of the next wave of urban innovation, cities can transform into dynamic, responsive entities that improve the lives of their residents.

Technology redefines smart city life

The term "artificial intelligence" is popping up more and more, transcending the science fiction genre and entering our daily lives . But what exactly does this mean for the wider smart cities sector? Its use cases are often closer to home than the robots we see in movies.

Smart meters, which use IoT sensors to track and monitor energy usage, are a prime example of artificial intelligence making cities smarter. Through continuous monitoring and analysis of energy usage, smart meters provide city administrators with real-time data to optimize energy consumption and save costs. The result is a smart and sustainable city. This is just one use case in the smart meter library.

Barcelona is an example of a smart city that has successfully implemented smart meters to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. In 2012, the city deployed nearly 20,000 smart meters to remotely sense and control irrigation and water levels in city parks, increasing water savings by 25 percent and saving approximately $555,000 annually.

Another example of IoT technology driving the next wave of smart city innovation can be seen in smart utility poles. These smart structures are designed to provide a wide range of functions such as lighting, wireless connectivity and environmental monitoring. Smart poles are equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras that capture and transmit data in real time, allowing city administrators to make informed decisions based on the most accurate and up-to-date information. They can also provide high-speed internet access. With their ability to host multiple functions, we expect smart poles to transform urban landscapes around the world.

Artificial intelligence is also beginning to change the way we think about urban transportation. The future of transportation is autonomous, but for this once far-fetched concept to become a reality, cities must make thoughtful investments in smart infrastructure. To achieve a truly autonomous state, vehicles must be able to accurately sense their environment, which requires advanced sensors and other smart city devices working together within an interconnected framework. As we move toward a future where self-driving cars are the norm—whether they’re delivering us Uber Eats or picking us up from the airport—smart infrastructure will be key to unlocking the industry’s full potential.

Mastering the Art of Smart City Management: Tips and Best Practices

Deploying smart city technology can be a daunting task, with local governments facing challenges ranging from lack of funding, Challenges range from expertise and coordination among stakeholders to regulatory hurdles and public perception barriers. However, there are some best practices that government agencies and technology leaders alike can follow to overcome these obstacles and pave the way for successful smart city initiatives.

A clear vision and strategy for smart cities must first be developed. It’s critical to understand why a community is seeking to deploy smart city practices and what the goals are before investing. Do you want to make your residents safer? Maybe you're in a place where natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes occur regularly, and smart technology can fill critical gaps in detecting storms and protecting people and property. It could be as simple as envisioning a future city filled with self-driving taxis. Whatever the goal, city leaders and technology providers must work together to develop the outline and communications to ensure buy-in from all necessary stakeholders.

Technology leaders may also want to involve citizens and stakeholders from the beginning of the planning and implementation process. To build a truly community-first smart city, community members must be engaged; in addition, their views must be heard, and it is important to actively open the door to questions, feedback, and ongoing dialogue. This ensures that citizens fully understand how the technology will work, as well as the purposes and use cases it will serve.

The development of smart cities is expensive, and the high price can easily attract people's attention. Technology providers should consider leveraging existing infrastructure (if possible) to achieve smart city goals without overinvesting. For example, consider installing smart technology that can be seamlessly integrated into existing light poles and cameras throughout the city, saving money that could be better spent elsewhere.

The bottom line is this: For a city to become truly smart, it must prioritize citizen-centric solutions that address community needs while ensuring data privacy and security through transparent policies.

Predicting the future of smart cities

As we enter 2023 and beyond, the adoption of AI and IoT technologies is expected to accelerate, data-driven decision making and Predictive analytics will lead the way.As technology evolves, we must take a comprehensive approach to ensure smart city initiatives benefit all citizens and create a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone.

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