Gurmit Singh Arora
Cities today face an array of challenges as they become more urbanized. From traffic jams to use of energy, to waste management and safeguarding the public, etc, there is a pressing need for innovative approaches to find solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) entities have become significant respondents for pushing innovations for making cities smarter and more live-able.
AI firms are urban innovation accelerators that provide advanced technology while taking a creative approach to the difficult issues that urban areas confront. They use artificial intelligence techniques and information statistical analysis to upgrade urban systems, elevate the standard of living, and endorse the concept of sustainability. In fact, AI firms are revolutionizing the urban environment through collaboration with city officials and other partners.
These AI-driven startups are reshaping urban transportation through the creation of autonomous transport, ride-sharing service networks, and proficient traffic management technologies. Autonomous vehicles have the capability to boost health and safety, reduce traffic jams, and offer easier and more effective transportation choices. Their contribution to urban mobility provides various advantages such as decreased traffic congestion, better security through collision forecast and early detection, better accessibility for all, and decreased ecological damage through optimization of transportation systems.
AI startups are important drivers of urban innovation, and they play an important role in the development of smart cities.
Gurmit Singh Arora
Smart cities broaden the literal meaning of the term to include aims such as productivity, inclusion, and sustainability. Through integration of AI, they offer improved surveillance systems, systems to detect / identify unlawful activities, and fast reaction to crises. AI systems can analyse streamed footage from surveillance cameras in actual time to identify potential dangers and trigger alerts, enabling authorities to intervene quickly. Furthermore, AI-powered predictive modeling can assist in forecasting crime areas and assigning police strength appropriately. AI systems can give actionable insights to avoid crime by analysing historical crime statistics, internet usage patterns, and other relevant data to enhance public safety.
Startups are supporting municipal authorities to arrive at informed decisions and enhancing their delivery of services by advancing data-driven urban planning and administration. AI algorithms produce beneficial knowledge for urban development initiatives by analysing massive volumes of data, such as demographic statistics, ecological information, and public inputs. These findings aid in the optimisation of land use, identification of places for urban renewal, and facilitation of targeted investments in infrastructure. In addition, artificial intelligence-powered governance structures improve citizen involvement by encouraging openness as well as engagement in the process of decision-making.
AI technology is becoming increasingly integrated into smart cities, making it important to address privacy and ethical issues. AI companies must prioritize openness, accountability, and data management practices to ensure ethical use of AI in urban contexts. To create confidence and avoid potential hazards, AI firms must adopt rigorous data protection measures, comply with privacy standards, and involve citizens in decision-making.
AI can aid in the prediction of water requirements in a city. It can predict the level of groundwater depletion, the health of lakes, rivers, and other water bodies, water quality parameters that may or may not need the level of an RO water treatment etc. Today, technology is available to avoid manual scavenging, robotic deduction of leakages, cleaning of water bodies, monitoring of flow rates and consumption. Smart AI metering and many new AI tools are available to reduce the consumption of water and use treated water. In this way, AI can certainly improve the health and hygiene of the citizens of a town, city, or country.
To sum up, the development of artificial intelligence businesses is changing cities into smarter, more sustainable urban settings. These firms are addressing the complex difficulties that modern cities are confronting through AI-powered infrastructure management, increased public safety and security, smarter transportation systems, and data-driven urban planning.
These firms are crafting a smarter future by improving urban mobility, public safety, and urban planning and governance. To foster trust and assure responsible and inclusive smart city development, it is critical to address privacy and ethical concerns related to AI technology.
About the author
Gurmit Singh Arora is National President of Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), Chairman of CII IGBC and Managing Director of Rajco Group.