Urban areas are expected to house 68% of the world's population, putting significant strain on infrastructure and critical services.
There are still around 14.5mn people in the US alone without reliable broadband, often leaving rural or urban communities behind and exacerbating social and economic divides.
AI and machine learning is being used to help close the digital divide by identifying areas where broadband can be brought to underserved communities.
In order to use AI to create smart cities that are more technologically advanced and equitable, city planners must first focus on building a robust data foundation and establishing a strong data infrastructure.
To ensure that citizens from low-income or remote regions have equal access to healthcare, education, and other critical connected services, municipalities can also establish data-driven control rooms through integration of data from various departments.
It is essential to keep the needs and experiences of residents at the forefront when incorporating AI into city operations, which allows technology deployment to be guided by the actual needs of the community.
Scalable and adaptable AI solutions should be planned for smart city projects to include pilot projects and expand as the technology proves its value.
AI-powered scenario planning tools can help municipalities develop long-term resilience strategies to meet evolving urban dynamics without requiring complete overhauls.
The smart city journey must begin with data by keeping citizens at the center of the smart-city plan, identifying areas where AI can be applied for the greatest impact.
Leveraging AI to bridge the digital divide is a promising early step to advancing digital equity and creating smart city success.