Photo by Unsplash and Planet Volumes
True story. I was invited to tour a smart city about 7 years ago. The smart city had everything from branded wine (no idea what this had to do with being smart) to AI autonomous buses. The bus looked like a toaster oven with seats; it pulled up correctly and even stopped when a car in front did a U-turn. The bus also broke down…I was told there were too many variables for the AI program to input. Since then, AI capabilities have grown. The investing world is increasingly focused on AI, and AI programs are being developed for everything from restaurants to healthcare.
In my opinion, the point of singularity for AI is in cities, where the convergence of AI with associative technology can really make a demonstrable difference.
To put this article about smart cities in a historical context, 7 years ago, ISIS captured Mosul, Trump is investigated, Kim Jung-un has a new moniker “Little Rocket Man”, Trump is investigated, Sears is stumbling and will go bankrupt the following year, and Trump was investigated. I also first heard of the term “smart city”. FN1
WHAT A DIFFERENCE 7 YEARS MAKES!
Now in 2024, ISIS remains a problem, Trump is being sued, Kim Jung-un is firing bigger rockets, Trump is being sued, Sears has disappeared, Trump is being sued, and now smart cities are being intertwined with AI and private 5G networks. FN2
AI applications for smart cities range from:
- Traffic management including adaptive traffic signals and predictive traffic patterns. Traffic congestion, route optimization, and overall efficiency are real possibilities, far beyond you getting the annoying pop-ups on certain traffic apps (you all know what I am referring to) asking whether a car is still stalled ahead or if there is still an accident happening. FN3
- Energy optimization for buildings and infrastructure to smart grids that can efficiently distribute energy and detect energy waste.
- Garbage. I do not believe that recycling is enough. Some cities are looking for AI to optimize and predict waste collection routes and even create smart bins that monitor and predict garbage pick-up requirements. The cost of sensors is nominal. The possibility of reducing operational costs is significant.
- Emergency disaster. Could there have been better and more predictive monitoring to warn citizens and deploy emergency responders during the Maui fire, California mudslides, and Colorado road closures? You bet. AI can assist in compiling and interpreting multiple data sources to assess probable damage, find the optimal aid route, and route first responders. Note I said “AI can assist”. AI doesn’t get rid of human input, it provides a way to optimize human decision making.
- Public safety. A good friend of mine, Chris Medina, founded NuReal.ai and is at the leading edge of creating AI programs to enhance public safety. Among NuReal.ai’s suite of products includes gunshot detection, environmental monitoring, and crowd control. Chris said the AI algorithms can analyze data from cameras, noise detection, social media, and other sources and even brighten smart streetlights when crowds become too large and loiter after bars close, creating damage to public and private property and propensity for assaults or worse. With AI, 2AM bar patrons can be moved along and be given information and deterrents like flood lights and even digital signs with rideshare pick up spots. FN4
Summary
Cities have come a long way, but with competing interests, a reluctance to try new things, and internal bureaucracy, the implementation of AI in a comprehensive city plan is only at its beginning stages. I will write about this in 7 years. FN5
About the author
Gary Sumihiro is the founder of Sumihiro Investments LLC, a global strategic consulting firm.
Learn more at www.sumihiroinvestmentsllc.com
FN1. No, I haven’t been living under a rock… but 7 years ago I was focused on other technology, like IoT. Fast Company published a great article by Boyd Cohen called “The 3 Generations of Smart Cities” which looks at the growth of AI. I encourage you to read the article.
FN2. Full disclosure. I represent EUCAST Global that is at the leading edge of 5G private networks. It’s important to consider the equipment for large and fast transfer of data which is necessary for AI.
FN3. I live in Denver where the city has put up so many roundabouts to slow down traffic that driving is somewhat like a bumper car ride. If cities invested in AI programs that helped predict and manage traffic, perhaps we can get back to when driving was kind of relaxing. Regarding those popups, does anyone else think they distract from driving? AI can also data mine for near miss detection that can count how many times a vehicle comes into near contact with cyclists, pedestrians, and scooters. These patterns allow cities to plan for safer traffic patterns, reducing fatalities, accidents, and insurance claims.
FN4. Full disclosure. I represent NuReal.ai (NuReal.ai announcement). I like them as they are focusing on democratizing AI. Out of the box they got their first investor!
FN5. See my earlier article about AI, Drinking and Democracy.
