5 Ways AI and Data are Powering Smart Cities of the Future

Artificial Intelligence and Data empowering Smart Cities

With city populations projected to expand exponentially in the next few decades, planners are working to keep pace with emerging technologies. Here are 5 key ways in which AI and big data are addressing these challenges by supporting the smart cities of the future.

THE DEMAND FOR SMART CITIES

The United Nations reports that by 2040, 65% of the world’s population will live in cities. With this exploding population density, city planners and private enterprises are looking for new ways to manage resources and provide for the public safety.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, BIG DATA, AND SMART CITIES

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics are coming together to create the smart city of the future. With these technologies, smart city planners can develop better solutions to problems in these key areas:

1. SECURITY

2. HEALTHCARE

3. MOBILITY

4. ENERGY

5. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING

SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE

Police are increasingly networked through body cameras and gunshot detectors to better support public safety and accountability. These devices not only help report problems and maintain accountability in law enforcement, but they also collect and report data to AI platforms that can use patterns of behaviour to inform large-scale public safety efforts in the future.

Likewise, more home owners and businesses are installing smart security systems that link their homes to smart platforms while allowing users more direct control. According to McKinsey & Company, these tools are helping to reduce crime by 30-40 percent.

Surveillance is also expanding as more public and private locations implement smart camera systems to protect their properties. With new HD and 4K security cameras hitting the security market, the global surveillance market surpassed $3 billion in 2017 with an expected annual growth rate of 14.6% between 2016 and 2021.

HEALTHCARE AND FIRST RESPONDERS

Smart devices linked to AI and databases are equipping healthcare professionals with advanced monitoring tools that help them treat patients faster and more effectively. These devices, linked to smart platforms, can also help these professionals respond to emergency situations faster. This also includes the capabilities to monitor patients remotely and avoid crisis situations and lower mortality rates

First responders are also able to link to these devices to better respond to emergency situations as they occur. Patients using remote devices in their homes can use them to signal emergency responders when an emergency strikes, lowering response time and providing peace of mind to those with debilitating medical conditions.