Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a transformative force in smart city development, according to a recent study examining current AI trends and urban applications. The study emphasizes how AI is revolutionizing city infrastructure planning, resource management, and public service delivery, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and responsive urban living. Smart cities embody the future by integrating technology with traditional infrastructure to enhance residents' quality of life while minimizing environmental impact. AI is central to this change, underpinning data-driven decisions and automation across diverse sectors. In urban planning and design, one of AI’s most impactful roles is analyzing extensive data—from satellite images, sensor networks, and social media—to spot patterns and forecast trends. This enables planners to create better transportation systems, optimize land use, and predict population dynamics. For example, AI-driven simulations allow testing infrastructure projects before implementation, reducing costs and aligning developments with community needs. AI also helps identify zones vulnerable to natural disasters, supporting proactive safety measures and greater city resilience. Managing smart city infrastructure demands constant oversight. AI processes real-time sensor data from roads, bridges, water, and energy systems to detect irregularities, forecast failures, and schedule maintenance proactively. This predictive maintenance cuts downtime and lowers repair expenses.

Additionally, AI optimizes resource usage by analyzing consumption patterns, adjusting supply in areas like electricity and water. In energy management, AI coordinates with renewable sources to balance demand and supply effectively, advancing sustainable urban energy solutions. AI also transforms public services by boosting accessibility and efficiency. AI-powered intelligent transportation systems regulate traffic, decrease congestion, and improve public transit with dynamic routing based on real-time needs. In healthcare, AI facilitates telemedicine and remote monitoring, expanding access to medical care. Public safety benefits similarly from AI’s capability to analyze surveillance and social data to swiftly detect potential threats or emergencies. Despite its potential, AI integration in smart cities faces challenges, including ethical issues, data privacy, and security concerns—critical for earning citizen trust. The complexity of urban environments demands collaboration among technologists, urban planners, policymakers, and community members. Such interdisciplinary cooperation is vital to create AI solutions that are technologically advanced, socially fair, and environmentally responsible. Governance frameworks must also be developed to ensure AI deployment is transparent and accountable. In conclusion, the study highlights AI’s vast potential to evolve smart cities into interconnected, efficient, and sustainable ecosystems. As AI technology progresses and with strong interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical governance, cities worldwide can leverage these advancements to enhance inhabitants’ lives and build resilient urban environments for the future.