Autonomous cities and AI: The next frontier of urban transformation
In this issue
This Guide explores how the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, digital twins, IoT, robotics, and advanced connectivity is driving the evolution of smart cities into autonomous cities, urban environments capable of sensing, learning, predicting, and increasingly managing services with minimal human intervention. It presents a people-centred vision in which AI enhances urban planning, mobility, public safety, energy, healthcare, and environmental sustainability through data-driven, real-time decision-making, while emphasizing that technological progress must be accompanied by strong governance, ethical AI, cybersecurity, transparency, interoperability, and human oversight. Drawing on global case studies and practical implementation guidance, the report provides policymakers and city leaders with a roadmap for adopting autonomous urban systems responsibly, ensuring that innovation advances sustainability, resilience, inclusion, and improved quality of life for all residents.
The Guide is complemented by the following case studies:
” Case Study – AI-driven autonomous urban systems in Valencia, Spain
” Case Study – Autonomous urban systems in Songdo, Republic of Korea
” Case Study – Shenzhen’s autonomous public transportation
” Case Study – Dubai’s self-driving transport strategy
” Case Study – Guna’s journey towards an autonomous city, Madhya Pradesh, India
” Case Study – Autonomous urban mobility and smart city innovation in Calgary, Canada
” Case Study – AI-driven urban transformation and autonomous systems in Budapest, Hungary
” Case Study – Beijing’s autonomous intelligent signal light, China (People’s Republic of)
” Case Study – Zaozhuang High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Shandong, China (People’s Republic of)
More information available at: https://u4ssc.itu.int/
