AI's continued use to enhance urban areas will lead to tremendous tourism and migration to smart cities
Smart cities may become the next step in modern urban development. Unpredictable buses blocked bike lanes, and long hours of waiting in traffic may become a thing of the past with the help of AI. However, urban planning is not so simple. These problems require intricate city knowledge and numerous technological capabilities.
Artificial intelligence has already been implemented for straightforward uses– help with homework, creating a schedule, or even maintaining a relationship with an AI girlfriend. What would building a smart city require from an AI? Is it possible? Surprisingly, it’s already in the making.
AI Use In Transportation
One major problem with areas of high population density is transportation. Getting around isn’t so easy when there are millions of people trying to use the same systems simultaneously to go to different places.
Traffic is often one of the biggest complaints urban dwellers have. AI can create intelligent traffic management systems that work with traffic rather than worsen it. These adaptive traffic systems use AI-driven traffic sensors or cameras to monitor and predict traffic conditions. Using numerous past data, the AI can determine when and where congestion most likely occurs and adjust signals accordingly.
The sensors also work with real-time data, making adjustments as needed. This AI-powered solution is useful beyond reducing traffic—it also helps reduce car emissions. Idle cars contribute to air pollution, often more concentrated in urban areas.
Public transportation can also be optimized with AI for those without access to a car. If AI uses predictive analytics to optimize schedules, the bus or train might not arrive at an inconvenient time. The routes may also adjust in real-time based on passenger demand and road conditions.
For example, the New York City MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) is testing to see if AI can scan the train’s parts to identify any malfunctioning parts. Identifying bad parts before the train runs could minimize maintenance-related delays that often put a hitch in people’s plans.
Many vehicles themselves are already using AI for essential safety features. Tesla’s autopilot and full self-driving modes, along with the driverless Waymo vehicles, are using AI to drive themselves. Not only does AI use on cars make them safer, but it also takes away some of the stress of driving.
AI helps with obstacle detection and emergency braking, two critical and reassuring safety features for your car.
How AI Can Create Smarter Energy Grids
AI systems have the potential to balance energy supply and demand in real-time. This would help urban, high-use areas reduce excessive energy spending. This technology is already used in people’s homes.
Google Nest learns user behavior and adapts the home temperature to preferences and to save energy. This solution is better for the environment and helps individuals save money on their energy bills so the house isn’t excessively heated or cooled when no one is home.
While renewable energy sources are already sustainable options, AI can take them to the next level. Since AI can handle large data sets, the technology can predict weather patterns that may affect solar and wind power outputs. Typically, this could have a tremendous effect on the power supply. Still, AI can turn unfavorable weather into a solvable issue, redirecting energy from other farms with optimal conditions to areas that aren’t receiving as much energy.
Minimizing reliance on fossil fuels to create a sustainable urban environment means that plans B, C, and D are sustainable options. IBM’s AI, Watson, is being used to predict weather patterns to aid wind farms' energy production. Artificial intelligence can turn good ideas into optimal long-term solutions.
Storing energy is the next big step in a green city with complete electricity access all night. Renewable energy storage already exists, but it deteriorates over time, as with phone and car batteries. Have you ever wondered why your iPhone is delayed in charging until a specific time? This is a method of making your phone’s battery last longer. Similarly, AI can analyze storage systems’ battery performance and adjust their use to have longer lifespans.
Stored energy is particularly important for areas with high populations, as it can strain the power grid at night. Long-term solutions to encourage storing energy are another way to make a truly smart city possible.
How Public Services Could Benefit From AI
It may seem like essential resources like water are well under control, but these systems, too, could use a revamp in a smart city. Many water management systems are decades old and need frequent repairs that aren’t caught until there’s a big problem.
AI can help detect leaks and predict pipe failures in water distribution networks before they become problems. Barcelona, for example, is already using an innovative water management system to reduce water loss from leaks. This proactive approach ensures that no water is wasted and reduces maintenance time.
Similarly, waste management could become more green with AI, which can be used to sort through recyclable items better. Which materials to recycle can oftentimes be confusing for people, which deters many from attempting to recycle. With an AI in charge of sorting, fewer materials may go to landfills, which could decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
With big cities come more frequent petty crimes. AI-powered surveillance systems that use facial recognition may deter criminals from smart cities, making the area safer and more comfortable.
AI has also been used for “predictive policing,” identifying places with high crime rates and allocating more police to them. While some may disagree with this crime prevention approach, it’s a new option that could lead to more widely accepted strategies.
Smarter Cities Are In The Making
AI has already impacted society. Its continued use to enhance urban areas will lead to tremendous tourism and migration to smart cities.
Sustainable, efficient, and comfortable cities are well on their way. From traffic to water and energy, a smart city can offer comfort and reliability that has yet to be seen. Balancing residents’ wants and new technology can create a new standard for future urban development worldwide.
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Quelle/Source: Mashable, 25.02.2025
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