A presentation in İzmir; AI powered smart city applications

İzmir Planning Office (an entity officially affiliated with İzmir municipality) organized the event. Here is the translation of their Instagram post:

Our Vision 2074 Panels series, which started with the question “What kind of Izmir?”, continues with the theme “Commons Data for the City”. 🌊🌍

In the panel moderated by Murad Tiryakioğlu, Erkan Saka, Sinan Erensü and Tuğçe Tezer will focus on how open, transparent and up-to-date data can be produced as an abstract commons. We aim to contribute to the digital transformation of Izmir with the panel where global technological developments will be discussed on a city scale.

📅 Saturday, December 21

📍 IzQ Innovation Center

⏰ 11.00-13.00

The event is open to all Izmir residents and you can register via the link in bio.

Together we are shaping the future of Izmir as a resilient and healthy city in harmony with nature!

#HowIsmir #Vision2074 #Data #OpenData #CommonData #FreeSoftware #WeLoveIzmir

Well, I had three major points. 1—Sometimes, even the existence of data may not be enough. The possible damage of an earthquake in Hatay was already known, but this did not lead to substantive preparation. 2- We need to decide priorities in which fields to go further. For instance, predictive policing in city planning should be postponed, but not energy sustainability projects. 3- In the local, we still need to build datasets. In most cases, not the data bias but the lack of data is a more critical issue.

After these three major points, here are some cases all over the world:

Smart cities represent a convergence of urban planning and artificial intelligence, transforming how we design, manage, and experience our cities. For instance, Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative has become a global benchmark, demonstrating how AI can comprehensively reshape urban living. The city-state employs over 50,000 sensors and cameras to monitor everything from crowd density to environmental quality, creating what they call a “living laboratory” for urban innovation.

Data-Driven Urban Planning Applications

Cities like Barcelona have revolutionized traffic management through AI-powered systems that analyze real-time data from thousands of sensors. Their success story includes reducing emergency response times by 25% and cutting traffic congestion by 21% through predictive analytics that adjust traffic signals in real-time. The system processes data from over 3,000 intersection sensors, demonstrating the massive scale at which AI can operate in urban environments.

Helsinki’s AI-driven energy optimization project showcases how machine learning can reduce building energy consumption by up to 25%. The system analyzes weather forecasts, occupancy patterns, and historical energy usage to automatically adjust heating and cooling systems across hundreds of public buildings, saving millions in energy costs while reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

AI Integration in Daily Urban Life

Seoul’s Intelligent Transportation System represents one of the most comprehensive implementations of AI in public transit. The system uses machine learning to predict bus arrival times with 95% accuracy and adjusts routes based on real-time demand. Notably, they’ve installed AI-powered cameras at 3,000 bus stops to detect elderly or disabled passengers and automatically extend bus stop times, showcasing how AI can make cities more inclusive.

Chicago’s Array of Things project demonstrates how AI can improve public health and safety. The initiative has deployed over 200 sensor nodes throughout the city that monitor air quality, noise levels, and pedestrian flow. When dangerous conditions are detected, such as elevated pollution levels, the system automatically alerts relevant authorities and provides real-time updates to citizens through a public dashboard.

Responsible AI and Data Rights

Amsterdam and Helsinki became the first cities to launch AI registries in 2020, creating public databases that detail how algorithmic systems are used in municipal services. This transparency initiative requires all AI applications to be documented, including their purpose, training data sources, and potential risks, setting a new standard for algorithmic accountability in urban governance.

Barcelona’s DECODE project stands out as a pioneering effort in citizen data rights. The initiative gives residents control over their personal data through a digital platform where they can choose which data to share with city services and revoke access at any time. This has resulted in more than 40,000 citizens actively participating in data-driven city projects while maintaining their privacy.

Here is another list prepared by Perplexity.ai:

Transportation and Mobility

Traffic Management

• Singapore’s AI-driven smart traffic management system analyzes real-time data to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion
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• Hangzhou, China implemented an AI-based “City Brain” project that predicts traffic volumes 15 minutes in advance with 90% accuracy
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Smart Parking

• Barcelona deployed sensors in parking spaces and developed apps to guide drivers to available spots, reducing traffic congestion and emissions
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Public Transportation Optimization

• AI systems analyze data to optimize public transit routes and schedules, improving efficiency and reducing wait times
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Autonomous Vehicles

• Dallas is testing self-driving trucks for urban logistics
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Energy Management

Smart Grids

• Denmark utilizes AI-powered smart grids to balance energy supply and demand, integrating renewable sources effectively
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Energy Consumption Prediction

• AI algorithms analyze patterns to predict energy consumption, enabling more efficient distribution and use
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Smart Meters

• EcoVille implemented AI-powered smart meters in buildings, providing real-time energy consumption data and personalized recommendations for savings
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Environmental Monitoring

Air Quality Management

• New York City uses AI-enabled sensors to continuously analyze air pollutants and provide actionable insights for improving air quality
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Weather Prediction

• Copenhagen employs an AI-enabled solutions lab to monitor weather conditions and enhance energy usage accordingly
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Waste Management

Smart Waste Collection

• Singapore implemented a smart waste management program using sensors on bin lids to monitor waste levels and optimize collection routes
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• Some cities in Sydney use AI-powered robots to sort rubbish and clean areas such as lakes and rivers
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Public Safety and Security

Predictive Policing

• AI-driven predictive policing tools analyze patterns to deploy public safety resources more effectively, contributing to crime rate reduction
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Video Surveillance

• AI-powered security cameras analyze footage in real-time to detect criminal behavior and instantly report incidents
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Urban Planning and Infrastructure

Predictive Maintenance

• San Diego extended its AI-enabled infrastructure management pilot, which uses machine learning to predict infrastructure failures and optimize maintenance schedules
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Road Condition Analysis

• Philadelphia used AI and visual machine learning to analyze images of nearly 2,000 kilometers of roads, developing a long-term repair plan
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Water Management

Leak Detection

• New York City implemented an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system to provide real-time feedback on water usage and promptly detect leaks
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Citizen Services

AI-Powered Chatbots

• Buenos Aires launched “Boti,” a versatile chatbot that handles various city services, from bike sharing to social care
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Digital Government Services

• AI supports the delivery of enhanced, personalized digital government services, including digital IDs and online permitting
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Healthcare

Predictive Healthcare

• AI systems analyze health data to predict trends and optimize resource allocation in urban healthcare systems
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Citations:

1. AI Applications in Smart Cities – Trinity Mobility
2. Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities: A Review – MDPI
3. AI in Smart Cities: Case Studies – Digital Defynd
4. 10 Ways AI Can Be Used in Smart Cities – AI Magazine
5. Artificial Intelligence Applications for Smart Cities – Scientific Research Publishing
6. AI for Smart Cities: Answering the Need for Smart City AI Applications – Restack
7. AI and Smart Cities: Insights and Innovations – S&P Global
8. Computer Vision in Smart City Applications – Viso AI
9. 5 Smart Cities Case Studies – Urban Tide
10. Generative AI and Smart Cities – World Economic Forum
11. Artificial Intelligence in Smart City Applications: An Overview – ResearchGate
12. Artificial Intelligence as the Mayor of a Smart City? – LinkedIn
13. AI for Digital Transformation in Smart Cities – Hager Group
14. Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities: Applications, Barriers, and Future Directions – ResearchGate
15. Case Studies of AI Implementation in Smart Cities – ResearchGate