Cities around the world are rapidly evolving into technology-driven hubs known as smart cities. The driving force behind this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI), which enables local governments to analyze vast amounts of data.

It also helps optimize services and enhance the quality of life for residents. From transportation to energy management, AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a practical tool that shapes how urban spaces function daily.

What sets AI apart in smart city development is its ability to connect different systems into a unified network. Instead of operating in silos, transportation, healthcare, energy, and public safety can now interact seamlessly through intelligent platforms. This integration enables cities to become more efficient and responsive to the needs of their residents.

In this article, we will discuss how smart cities are using AI across various aspects.

#1 Smarter Transportation Systems

Artificial intelligence is being utilized to predict traffic patterns, adjust signals in real-time, and minimize delays on congested roads. Many smart cities have adopted AI for traffic management, including North Carolina (NC) and Tucson.

According to Smart Cities Dive, NC has installed 2,500 AI-based traffic signals. They use machine learning and connected vehicles’ data to offer constant monitoring. Similarly, Tucson has installed AI to reduce congestion. According to Cities Today, the city was able to cut congestion by a whopping 46% and even reduced peak queue length by 800 meters.

This shift goes beyond easing daily commutes. AI can also help reduce the number of accidents. Consider a car accident at an intersection in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood that occurred in April 2025. According to WKYC, a 34-year-old on the motorcycle died because of the crash. It is essential to get help after a Cleveland car accident in such scenarios from emergency medical teams and lawyers.

Piscitelli Law Firm emphasizes the importance of seeking help from attorneys. They can help gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and negotiate with insurance agents. With the help of real-time monitoring, AI can help make such intersections more secure.

#2 Energy and Resource Efficiency

Another crucial aspect of smart city development is sustainability. AI is being used to monitor and manage energy consumption in real time, making power grids more adaptive and efficient.

The Department of Energy states that AI can potentially improve key areas of grid management. For instance, it can facilitate the following applications for better efficiency:

  • Powering grid models for better transmission capabilities
  • Predicting energy production and demand
  • Assistance with compliance and reviewing for federal permitting
  • Enhancing resilience

Smart meters and predictive algorithms help identify waste, balance supply and demand, and reduce costs for both providers and consumers. Cities that rely heavily on renewable energy sources benefit significantly from AI’s ability to forecast fluctuations in wind and solar output.

Singapore is also using AI for renewable energy production efficiency. According to Earth.org, the country utilizes AI to optimize solar panels and wind turbines for energy generation and consumption, thereby saving resources. It also helps predict energy demands to optimize performance, especially at peak hours.

Can AI help cities reduce peak energy demand during high usage hours?

Yes, AI can predict spikes in electricity use and adjust power distribution in advance, preventing blackouts and reducing stress on energy grids. These systems may also recommend energy-saving actions to residents and businesses, balancing demand without compromising comfort or productivity.

#3 Healthcare and Citizen Services

Smart cities are also using AI to transform healthcare delivery. From hospital resource planning to early disease detection, machine learning tools are helping providers deliver faster and more accurate care.

Some municipalities are experimenting with AI chatbots to give citizens immediate access to health information, service updates, or government resources. This kind of integration makes urban life more convenient and responsive.

According to the World Economic Forum, AI is transforming the healthcare industry in numerous ways. Around 4.5 billion people currently lack access to adequate healthcare, and AI can potentially help bridge this gap. It can be used for detecting early signs of numerous diseases, assessing ambulance needs, interpreting scans, spotting anomalies in X-rays, and more.

AI is also being tested in telemedicine platforms, where patients can consult doctors virtually while algorithms analyze symptoms and medical histories. This expands access to healthcare in crowded cities and helps reduce the strain on hospitals by ensuring that urgent cases receive immediate attention.

How does AI support mental health initiatives in smart cities?

AI-driven apps and chatbots can offer early intervention by monitoring language patterns, sleep cycles, or stress indicators. These tools can provide guided self-help resources, connect users with professionals when needed, and help cities scale mental health support to larger populations efficiently.

#4 Waste Reduction and Recycling Innovations

Smart bins equipped with sensors can notify sanitation teams when they need to be emptied. This helps prevent overflow and optimize collection routes.

Machine learning models are also being trained to identify recyclable materials in sorting facilities, improving efficiency and reducing human error. These innovations not only save money but also move cities closer to their sustainability goals.

As noted in a Springer Nature study, using AI in waste management can minimize waste transportation distance. Moreover, it can also help save costs by up to 13.35% and time by up to 28.22%. Another benefit it offers is accurate waste identification and sorting. AI models can be trained to have 72.8 to 99.95% accuracy in such tasks.

In addition, AI is being applied to predictive maintenance for waste management equipment, such as trucks and compactors. By analyzing usage patterns and sensor data, cities can prevent breakdowns, lower repair costs, and maintain smoother operations. This proactive approach helps keep urban environments cleaner while extending the lifespan of public infrastructure.

How does AI encourage citizens to participate in recycling efforts?

AI-based mobile applications can gamify recycling by rewarding residents for proper waste sorting and providing personalized feedback on their habits. Smart bins may also display real-time information about environmental impact, helping people see the benefits of their contributions to a cleaner city.

#5 Environmental Monitoring and Climate Resilience

With growing concerns about climate change, smart cities are leveraging AI to track and mitigate environmental challenges. AI models can analyze air quality data, predict pollution spikes, and recommend policy actions to improve conditions.

Some cities are also testing AI-based flood detection and wildfire prediction systems, which can provide early warnings to protect communities. By making urban spaces more resilient, AI ensures that cities remain safe and livable even under environmental stress.

According to the United Nations, the technology can help predict the weather with better accuracy. It can also offer assistance with disaster prevention, pollution tracking, and carbon neutrality. Moreover, AI can optimize supply chains and manufacturing operations to reduce waste and help with sustainability.

Beyond prediction, AI is being used to model long-term environmental changes within urban areas. These models allow planners to simulate the effects of new construction projects, green spaces, or industrial zones on air quality and water usage. With these insights, city leaders can make proactive choices that balance development with ecological sustainability.

Artificial intelligence is redefining the concept of what a city can be. What’s listed in this article are just a few examples of how AI is woven into the fabric of modern urban development.
As more cities adopt these technologies, the connection between AI and human well-being will only grow stronger. This will create environments that are more adaptive, safe, and sustainable for future generations.