Delfi - new project 'Future Cities': artificial intelligence already solving urban problems

Lithuania is embarking on a new initiative, 'Future Cities,' a project spearheaded by the association 'PropTech Lietuva' in collaboration with the portal 'Delfi.' The project's core objective is to illustrate how technological advancements can contribute to creating more convenient, efficient, and resident-centric urban environments.

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The value of technology is revealed when it becomes easier for residents to use city infrastructure, access services more easily, and have more time for rest and quality living.

Inga Langaitė, chairwoman of 'PropTech Lietuva,' emphasized that technology's true value lies in its ability to simplify citizens' access to urban infrastructure and services, ultimately freeing up time for leisure and quality living. She noted that while the impact of these technologies may take years to fully materialize, Lithuania's agility and receptiveness to technology, coupled with its existing e-services, position it as an ideal testing ground for startups and innovators.

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What we decide and implement in the city today, we will be able to evaluate its real impact in five or even ten years.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas confirmed that technology is already transforming city governance. Artificial intelligence is currently assisting in citizen services within the Vilnius municipality, providing quicker responses to common inquiries. For over a decade, the city has been collecting and analyzing data on resident habits, urban issues, and infrastructure, which directly informs decision-making processes affecting daily life. Vilnius has also significantly improved its standing in smart city rankings, now recognized among the world's leading cities in technology application.

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The question of whether technology can change city management is no longer relevant today – it is already happening.

Among the implemented technologies is a smart drone system that continuously monitors various city maintenance operations, including waste management sites, lawn mowing, and winter street cleaning. AI analyzes the visual data captured by these drones to assess the timeliness and quality of work. Mayor Benkunskas highlighted that these solutions enhance service quality control and optimize human resources, allowing specialists to focus more on strategic decision-making rather than constant physical inspections. The project aims to demonstrate how these innovations can help reduce traffic congestion and address other urban challenges.

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The future city is being created today.