Technology for a better urban future

The recent flood incident at one of our large cities which resulted in the tragic death of a lady made headlines. It happened reportedly when the car got stuck in a flooded underpass during heavy rains. Such instances underline the possible role technology can play in building a safer urban future. In fact, India’s Smart Cities Mission envisages the extensive use of technology tools in improving the lives of citizens of smart cities. The possibilities of tech-based solutions for many of our urban challenges are immense, almost endless. Many such initiatives are already in place in cities across the world.

The areas where cutting edge technologies can be deployed in the urban landscape are numerous and present big opportunities. City security, traffic management, parking systems, energy consumption, pollution control, and waste management are only some of these. Take the case of parking, for example. With the severe space crunch in our cities, especially the larger ones, we must move towards a system where parking charges reflect the true value of public spaces while also discouraging use of private vehicles. Larger cars occupy more space and therefore must pay more, those that pollute more must pay more – pollution depends on the type of fuel the car runs on, among others. Older cars (BS-4 as against BS-6) also pollute more and so must pay more. Parking charges must reflect these. All this information is embedded in the license plate of the car – the make, model, and variant; the fuel type; the year of registration, and the address of the owner, among others. By scanning the license plate and entering the minutes of parking, a handheld device can print out the parking ticket based on all these variables. Real time status of parking space available in various lots in the vicinity can be displayed to direct the driver to an appropriate lot. Use of congested roads and/or use of roads during peak traffic could result in tolls getting recovered via fastag.

Artificial Intelligence based technological interventions offer immense scope for addressing urban challenges. Security is one area. Today, most cities have a network of surveillance cameras which provide valuable information in crime investigation. However, their role in curbing/preventing crime is not so clear. This can be addressed by using AI tools. The inputs from the surveillance cameras could be used to monitor and analyse suspicious movements without the need for police officials sitting before screens. This analysis can then be used to automatically send alerts to nearby police stations and constables. This will help prevent crimes and take a big load off physical policing efforts. Waste management, segregation, and recycling, among the biggest challenges in the urban landscape, offer much opportunity too. And so do other areas. Cities must leverage the potential that these technologies offer and put in place effective systems.

This issue of Urban Update covers Artificial Intelligence in urban operations. We bring to you a variety of views and opinions
on this subject and are confident that some of these will catalyze new ideas for use of AI and related tools in our quest to create a sustainable urban future.