Artificial Intelligence, The New Partner of Municipalities

Tehran - BORNA - Smart cities are recognized today as examples of sustainable and efficient urban development. These cities leverage modern technologies, particularly AI, to manage their infrastructure more effectively and efficiently. One area that has received particular attention is the maintenance and improvement of streets and related urban infrastructure.

The Role of AI in Urban Infrastructure Maintenance

AI can help identify infrastructure issues such as asphalt cracks, concrete deterioration, potholes, and other damages by analyzing data collected from sensors, cameras, and other smart devices. These analyses are performed in real time, allowing for quick responses to problems.

In addition, AI can predict when infrastructure issues are likely to occur, enabling better planning for repairs and maintenance. These predictions are based on historical data and current infrastructure conditions, which can reduce costs and extend the lifespan of urban assets.

Benefits of Using AI in Infrastructure Maintenance

Increased accuracy and speed in detecting issues: AI systems can identify infrastructure problems quickly and with high precision.

Cost reduction: By reducing the need for frequent field inspections, AI can save significant resources.

Improved planning and prioritization of repairs: AI-generated data allows municipalities to plan repairs more effectively and prioritize critical tasks.

Optimized resource management: By accurately identifying needs, resources can be allocated efficiently, minimizing waste.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the many benefits, using AI in infrastructure maintenance comes with challenges:

High-quality data requirement: Effective AI systems require accurate and reliable data.

Initial investment costs: Implementing AI involves upfront costs for software and staff training.

Continuous updates: Regular software and algorithm updates are necessary to maintain system effectiveness.

Successful Examples Worldwide and in Iran

Globally, many cities have significantly improved their infrastructure using AI. One successful example is St. Joseph, Missouri, USA. In collaboration with the Department of Transportation and Public Services, the city implemented an AI-based software called Road AI to monitor streets and other urban infrastructure. This system can automatically detect issues such as asphalt cracks, concrete deterioration, and potholes, and prioritize repairs based on severity and location. As a result, city officials can allocate resources more efficiently, reduce unnecessary costs, increase maintenance accuracy, and enhance citizen safety.

In Iran, AI adoption in urban management is expanding, and major cities such as Tehran have presented initial successful implementations. For instance, AI-based smart traffic management systems have been deployed in the capital. By analyzing data from cameras, sensors, and real-time traffic information, these systems optimize traffic light timing and improve public transport efficiency. This technology not only saves citizens' time but also reduces fuel consumption and pollution emissions.

In water resource management, some Iranian cities use AI to monitor and predict water consumption and detect leaks. By analyzing water pressure, consumption volume, and usage patterns, these systems identify high-consumption areas and leak-prone zones, offering optimized solutions to minimize waste. This helps conserve valuable water resources and reduces municipal management costs.

AI also plays a significant role in optimizing urban energy consumption. Intelligent systems controlling street lighting and building energy use can analyze data and predict actual demand, reducing energy usage while maintaining service quality. This approach lowers operational costs, saves energy, and creates a more sustainable urban experience for residents.

Another important application of AI in Iran is waste management. By using intelligent algorithms and analyzing data on waste generation and population density, garbage collection routes are optimized, and collection schedules are aligned with real demand. This reduces operational costs, prevents waste accumulation in urban areas, and improves environmental quality.

These examples demonstrate that even in its early stages, AI in urban infrastructure management can have tangible impacts on improving citizens’ quality of life, reducing costs, and optimizing resources, laying the groundwork for the development of smart cities both in Iran and globally.

Utilizing modern technologies like AI in urban infrastructure maintenance not only improves service quality but also represents an effective step toward smarter and more sustainable cities. Global and domestic experiences show that leveraging AI in street management, energy, water, and waste systems can enhance citizens’ lives and guide cities toward optimal resource management and smart urban development.

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