Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a simple buzzword—it has been making waves, revolutionizing industries, and transforming business operations. On top of that, this technology is being used to make smart cities, improving sustainability, economic development, and the well-being of citizens.
In fact, the development of smart cities, along with the integration of artificial intelligence in the Philippines, can help solve the urbanization issues plaguing the country. A highly promising reclamation project that is poised to emerge in the coming years is the New Manila Bay City of Pearl. This ambitious undertaking aspires to become a captivating and self-sufficient “city within a city.”
However, the path to realizing the full potential of smart cities in the country is strewn with difficulties—from the expensive costs of upgrading information and communications technology to the lack of systems interoperability. Despite these challenges, the vision of smart cities remains an attainable goal with careful planning, strategic investments, and effective collaboration of industry stakeholders.
At Internet of Things Philippines Inc., we provide innovative solutions to help build smart cities that will enhance how everyone lives, works, and thrives. Read on as we explore how AI roadmaps in the Philippines can build smart cities and how this can benefit citizens.
The Origin of Artificial Intelligence
What is AI, exactly? It’s like teaching a computer how to learn, reason, generalize, and discover meanings as humans do. It runs by consuming labeled training data, examining the data for trends and correlations, and utilizing these patterns to forecast future occurrences.
A good example is when a chatbot learns how to create human-like conversations by being fed text samples. The latest generative AI methods can now produce realistic media, such as music and images, at a rapid pace.
It was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when pioneering scientists Charles Babbage and Augusta Ada Byron laid the foundation for the first modern computer that could be programmed and used as AI.
Then, in the 1950s, Alan Turing, an English logician, mathematician, and cryptographer, published “Computing Machinery and Intelligence,” posing the question of whether machines could match human intelligence. To answer this question, he devised the “Turing Test,” which determined whether a computer could trick examiners into thinking it was a human being. All these contributions laid the foundation for AI as we know it today.
AI has a wide range of applications—from security to transportation—so it’s a no-brainer that it can revolutionize cities and make them smarter. According to experts from Statista, the global AI market will grow about 54% annually. Although the current state of artificial intelligence in the Philippines still has a long way to go, it has already created new opportunities for municipalities, businesses, and consumers alike.
AI-Powered Smart Cities: An Overview
A smart city can be described as an urban area that has embraced digital technologies to become more efficient, socially inclusive, and environmentally friendly. It aims to appeal more to residents and businesses by enhancing city services or introducing new ones.
Achieving a smart city relies on automation, internet connectivity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This pertains to linking internet-enabled devices that can be controlled or used to transmit control-related information.
With artificial intelligence in the Philippines, imagine hundreds or thousands of sensors being set up to collect data from and about people and infrastructure. This system provides residents and workers with apps to access city services, pay for fees and other necessities, and report accidents, outages, and crimes.
How Smart Cities Benefit Citizens
Smart cities that use connected technology throughout their operations enjoy a wide range of advantages, including:
Improved Transportation
Connected transportation systems hold immense potential to significantly improve efficiencies across a city. With smart technologies, cities can offer better traffic management and enable commuters to track the location of trains or buses. This can help cater to the needs of citizens despite rapidly increasing populations.
Features like smart traffic signals can help ease traffic flow, providing a much-needed break from congestion during peak hours. Smart parking management, another prime example, even allows cities to leverage extra revenue streams.
Better for the Environment
With rising environmental concerns due to pollution, smart cities are taking a proactive stance to minimize carbon footprints, thanks to the integration of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, and air quality sensors.
For instance, the strategic placement of air quality sensors gathers crucial data to monitor periods of poor air quality, pinpoint the sources of pollution, and provide officials with the necessary insights to develop effective action plans. These devices allow even the most populated cities to mitigate air pollution and save lives.
Safer Communities
The smarter a city, the safer it is. It uses advanced technologies and fosters private and public partnerships to combat criminal activity effectively. Innovations, such as connected law enforcement facilities, emergency call services, and vehicle-plate recognition, can give officials an upper hand.
Government-Citizen Engagement
Today, citizens demand that their cities provide them with easy-to-use, comprehensive digital services. Self-service portals, mobile apps, and modern websites are some examples of artificial intelligence in the Philippines that have become the norm, and citizens expect no less from their city.
Smart cities employ various strategies, like accessible government data, transparent budgeting, interactive maps, and performance dashboards, to cultivate stronger bonds with citizens.
Upgraded Public Utilities
As our natural resources face increasing demand with limited supply, smart technologies are stepping in to equip cities with the means to conserve and prevent the unnecessary waste of water and electricity. Implementing smart sensors, for instance, allows cities to quickly detect pipe leaks and expedite repair. Additionally, smart electric grids facilitate two-way communication between electricity providers and consumers to identify peak usage and allow for prompt response to outages.
Building Smart Cities in the Philippines
As the leading expert in artificial intelligence, IOT Philippines can help transform cities into smart, connected, and sustainable environments. With innovative technologies in data gathering and seamless communication interconnectivity, we can help address urban challenges—from security and transportation to pollution and energy efficiency.
We understand that every smart city has unique needs and challenges. That is why we work closely with stakeholders to develop customized solutions. We offer real-time and remote monitoring for data management, allowing for quick decision-making and responses to changing situations. On top of that, we keep up with the latest advancements in smart technologies, ensuring our solutions are up-to-date and adaptable to future needs.
Conclusion
Smart cities hold great potential to enhance the quality of life for citizens and address urban challenges. The benefits of artificial intelligence in the Philippines are clear—from reducing pollution and conserving natural sources to improving public trust and increasing safety. With continued investment and innovation, smart cities will undoubtedly play an important role in shaping the future of urban living.
IOT Philippines has the expertise to help local communities make the most of smart city technology. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
