AI Urbanism – How AI is Transforming Our Urban Lives (Part-1 of 2)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly changed from being a futuristic sci-fi concept to becoming a transformative force in contemporary urban living. Remarkably, AI adoption has been increasing by about 50% annually for the past 6 years (source: McKinsey), with applications spanning practically every sector.

Historically, significant technological shifts have often followed a pattern – initially deceptive with masses not noticing during the technology’s gestation – then disruptive causing radical industry and occupational changes – and ultimately democratizing with wide adoption and use. Expectedly, AI adoption will follow suit, with its last 2 decades of deceptive phase currently transitioning to disruptive.

AI’s integration into urban systems is redefining urban living – spanning diverse realms including energy management, urban management, socio-economics, health and well-being, home-life, and mobility.

In this part-1 of 2 articles, ?we explore 3 strategic realms where AI is making profound impacts - Energy Conservation, Urban Management, and Socio-Economics.

The complementing part-2 article tracks AI's influence on Health & Well-Being, Home Life, and Mobility.

Key Takeaways

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1. AI in Energy

• AI in Energy Transition – AI is becoming instrumental in accelerating the global shift towards de-carbonization, promising a significant positive impact on the energy sector.
• AI-Based Smart Grids – AI-enabled smart grids are revolutionizing energy network systems by balancing local renewable energy sources with dynamic demands.

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2. AI in Urban Management

• Digital Twin for Urban Areas – AI-driven Digital Twins enable efficient planning, monitoring, and maintenance of urban areas by creating digital replicas of real-world systems and places.
• AI-Based Traffic Management – AI systems enhance traffic management by optimizing transport planning, real-time traffic management, and road maintenance.

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3. AI in Socio-Economics

• AI Impact on Global Economy – AI is set to boost the global economy significantly through increased productivity and the creation of new job profiles.
• Job Market Transformation by AI – AI is driving a major transformation in the job market, leading to the emergence of new roles while disrupting traditional ones.

AI in Energy

AI in Optimising Renewable Energy Systems

The energy generation sector is at the forefront of the global transition to de-carbonization, and AI is helping accelerate this shift significantly. Despite fossil fuels still accounting for 80% of global energy consumption, renewable energy sources are gaining traction due to advancing renewable energy generation technologies, declining technology costs, and increased investments. AI and digital technologies are enabling increased efficiency in planning and real-time optimisation of renewable energy systems.

Renewable energy generation, predominantly from solar and wind, is inherently intermittent, necessitating the optimization of generation, supply, demand, consumption, and storage. AI facilitates this while addressing the complexities of grid optimization, integrating both conventional and renewable sources, managing distributed energy assets, forecasting renewable energy availability, and overseeing autonomous electricity systems.

Although still in the early stages, AI's role in the energy sector's de-carbonization journey is promising, with ongoing innovation, collaboration, and adoption.

?A real-world implementation of AI in managing the intermittency of renewable energy is Google's use of machine learning to predict wind patterns 36 hours in advance, optimizing the scheduling and dispatch of wind power to the grid, which has increased the value of its wind energy by 20%. (Source: www.deepmind.google/discover)

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AI-Based Smart Grids

Smart Grids represent a transformative shift from traditional electro-mechanical power grids to AI-based systems capable of balancing increasing local energy supplies with dynamic demands. Unlike conventional grids, AI-enabled Smart Grids manage decentralized, bi-directional power flows, integrating locally-produced surplus energy (microgrids) back into the main grid.

This transition involves complex systems, including big data analytics, energy storage and control technologies, and IoT devices, all coordinated by AI. These grids optimize supply-demand dynamics efficiently, ensuring stability and reliability. While the concept is still in its nascent stages, elements of Smart Grids are already operational in several cities worldwide, showcasing the potential for broader implementation.

In Netherlands, AI systems are used to balance the supply and demand of electricity in real-time, integrating locally produced renewable energy from distributed sources into the national grid, thus enhancing grid stability and efficiency. (Source: www.energy.ec.europa.eu)

AI in Urban Management

Digital Twin for Urban Areas

Imagine a city where every street, building, and park also exists as a replicated digital model. This digital twin technology creates precise virtual replicas of urban areas using sensor data and imagery. Digital twins streamline urban management by providing accurate and real-time data for decision-making, reducing the need for on-site inspections.

The technology to create digital twins for places employs Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), which uses laser pulses to create high-resolution maps and 3D representations of the earth's surface as well as neighbourhood built-form details. Initially used in autonomous vehicles, Lidar is now becoming more accessible and affordable, finding diverse applications in city planning, zoning, and management.

In Harrow, northwest London, a digital twin was created using lidar technology in collaboration with Cyclomedia and ESRI. This digital version enables urban planners to monitor, plan, and simulate urban changes efficiently and accurately. (Source: www.cyclomedia.com)

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AI-Based Traffic Management

Beyond simple apps for trip planning and ride-hailing, AI is revolutionizing traffic management with comprehensive systems that optimize urban transport. AI-based traffic management systems focus on two main areas – Demand-based public transport optimization and the Internet of Roads.

Demand-based public transport optimization involves using AI to optimise city-level public transport and neighbourhood-level micro-transit systems with real-time user needs. Sensors and user apps communicate with central public transport management systems, providing real-time data on demand and supply, and enabling dynamic adjustments to public transport routes, schedules, and capacities.

The Internet of Roads leverages AI to monitor and manage road networks, traffic lights, parking facilities, and overall traffic flow. City-wide data collection from sensors, cameras, and apps allows for real-time tracking of various transport modes, facilitating congestion management, emergency response, and long-term transport planning. AI also predicts maintenance needs, preventing costly repairs and accidents.

Singapore is a prime example of a city where AI-based traffic management systems have been successfully implemented. The city utilizes advanced technologies to monitor and optimize traffic flow, enhancing efficiency and reducing congestion. (Source: www.tomorrow.city)

AI in Socio-Economics

AI Impact on Global Economy

AI is projected to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030. This growth will be driven by widespread AI adoption across industries, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Over two-thirds of businesses globally are expected to integrate AI technologies to some extent, automating manufacturing, logistics, transport, and routine tasks, thereby freeing up human resources for more creative, innovative, and emotional-intelligence roles. AI's positive economic impacts include higher-quality, personalized products and services that improve user experience and convenience.

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Job Market Transformation by AI

The impact of AI on the job market is a topic of significant debate. While some predict a positive transformation with new job creation, others fear disruptions and job losses – and surprisingly, the majority are yet oblivious to the occupational transformation that AI will trigger in the near future.

Routine, predictable, manual, and low-cognitive-skill jobs will likely be replaced by AI automation gradually. However, AI also promises to create new roles that require advanced technical skills, innovative thinking, and higher-level cognitive functions leading to a more skilled and efficient workforce.

As AI continues to evolve, it will drive the creation of entirely new industries and job profiles. Sectors with significant AI advancement opportunities include marketing, sales, supply chain management, logistics, manufacturing, transport, and technology.

The 4th Industrial Revolution, driven by AI, is expected to bring about the most significant shift in the job market. While the transition may be challenging, the long-term benefits of AI in the job market are substantial, with new opportunities emerging in various fields.

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Conclusion

AI is making significant strides in various realms, leading to transformative changes. In the energy sector, AI is instrumental in the energy transition, aiding de-carbonization efforts and enhancing efficiency. AI-based smart grids balance renewable energy sources with dynamic demands, optimizing energy distribution].

In urban management, AI-driven Digital Twins create digital replicas of cities, enabling efficient planning and maintenance. AI-based traffic management systems are helping optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve overall transportation efficiency.

In socio-economics, AI is poised to boost the global economy by increasing productivity and creating new job profiles, while also transforming the job market by introducing new roles and disrupting traditional ones

Part-2 of this series explores how AI is transforming Health & Well-Being, Home Life, and Mobility, offering insights into the future of AI-driven urban living.

About the Author

Rupak Chatterjee is a strategist in Urban Planning, Master Planning & Place Making.

He has a 'city-walks' blog, a heritage-destination blog, an AI-themed YouTube channel for youth, and has authored 'Youth to Infinity' – a book on youth success principles.