From the early 2000s, as tech giants like IBM and Cisco focused on utilising digital connectivity to improve how cities function, the idea behind smart cities began to take shape.
These corporations laid the groundwork for what has now become a widespread global move toward tech-driven urban advancement. Across many countries, cities are using various aspects of data analytics to incorporate elements believed to belong to what future cities should look like.
Smart cities are turning sci-fi into everyday convenience (Photo: Getty Images)
Understanding the Concept of a Smart City
Even though there isn’t a single agreed-upon meaning, many experts define a smart city as one that integrates digital systems, including interconnected sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), automation, real-time data collection and processing, and information and communication technologies. These technologies allow a city to manage resources more efficiently and deliver services in a way that meets the needs of residents.
Smart cities use modern technologies to support services such as transport systems, water distribution, waste collection, utility management, and public safety.
The benefits go beyond improved operational processes to include more inclusive access to services and better living conditions for those who reside in such areas.
How Data Circulates in a Smart City
A smart city’s data system functions like a cycle, beginning with data entry and moving through phases that involve evaluation, automated decision-making, shared outcomes, further adjustments by machines or humans, and new rounds of data collection. Once the process begins, most of the steps operate without the need for constant human direction.
Data originates from many points. These may include tools like sensors, cameras, and smart machines, as well as manual sources like applications, web portals, and system interfaces.
Once collected, this information goes through steps such as combining multiple data sets, running simulations, interpreting results using AI and machine learning, and passing instructions to systems and individuals through digital channels.
Artificial Intelligence and Its Use in Smart City Development
Because of the massive volume of information collected by smart infrastructure, relying solely on humans for analysis would be slow and inefficient.
AI becomes essential here, given its capacity to process large streams of data and produce real-time insights, allowing decisions to be made faster and more accurately.
Artificial intelligence plays a strong role in several smart functions. For instance, in transport, it helps manage traffic patterns and supports driverless cars.
In energy, it allows buildings to use less electricity through automation and grid coordination. For cities, AI supports better waste control and smarter billing systems for utilities like power and water.
Cities Setting Examples with Smart Initiatives
Urban living gets an upgrade through real-time tech (Photo: Alamy)
Different cities have moved forward in their ways by adding smart solutions to their operations. Here are three cities that are seen as leading examples in this effort.
1. Singapore
The path toward becoming a smart city started in Singapore back in 1980 when the government launched a programme to computerise public administration and upskill over 4,600 professionals in the IT field.
Since that time, the country has embraced digital transformation through long-term national efforts. These efforts include bringing nearly all public services online, expanding fast internet access to most homes and businesses, and assigning digital IDs (Singpass) to almost all permanent residents and citizens.
Singpass is designed to give all citizens access to digital services, including those who may not own advanced smartphones. Its features include:
- A mobile application that uses face recognition and two-factor security
- A digital identity card that can be scanned
- A space for official government documents
- A central inbox to receive government notices, helping reduce scams
- Tools to pre-fill digital forms with stored personal details
- A function for creating legally accepted digital signatures
2. London
A strong focus on policies that reflect the needs of residents has placed London among cities with a clear direction for integrating smart strategies.
To push this effort, the city has expanded its tech community, laid out goals for zero carbon emissions, and plans to make most travel take place through walking, cycling, or using public transport.
Some of the digital upgrades contributing to this progress include:
- Nine advanced communication towers
- Broadband speeds averaging 82.7 Mbps
- A mobile tool that helps drivers choose low-emission travel routes
- Over ten thousand charging points for electric vehicles
- A central system that allows the public to access collected city data
3. New York
City officials and private sector experts in New York have taken time to reimagine how their systems can address major social and infrastructural issues.
These include efforts to improve housing, accessibility, transportation, and fairness in employment. The city’s approach includes creating employment zones, expanding the public transport budget, and identifying what limits economic inclusion for marginalised groups.
Some of the technological responses being applied include:
- GPS devices on buses to help control traffic flow and improve punctuality
- Turning outdated phone kiosks into wireless internet hubs with charging stations
- Upgrading library technology so people can work from there remotely
- Placing solar-powered waste bins that notify staff when they are full
- Using digital water meters in over 800,000 locations to track usage and prevent wastage
Why Smart Cities Matter
Cities that think fast and act faster thanks to automation (Photo: Shutterstock)
People who support smart cities believe these innovations can lead to cleaner environments, less time stuck in traffic, safer communities, and reduced energy waste. They also highlight improvements in how public services are delivered and how resources are handled.
At the same time, there are concerns. Critics argue that cities may rely too much on machines, leave behind those without digital access, raise housing costs, reduce human connection, increase worries over privacy, and demand large financial investments to maintain.
Even though full integration may still be years away, many urban centres are already applying parts of this concept. The most advanced smart cities will eventually operate with full use of all available technologies, including those still being designed.
Cities aiming to function better, serve fairly, and remain environmentally conscious are likely to keep advancing in their use of data and digital tools. As new challenges arise, these cities will continue adjusting their strategies in search of practical and inclusive solutions for their communities.
