The third edition of AI Pe Charcha, held on 25 March 2021, focussed on the role of AI in establishing smart cities. AI Pe Charcha is a series of panel discussions that endeavor to learn from the best AI practices worldwide with in-depth and informative knowledge sharing by various industry stalwarts, leaders, and researchers.

This edition was hosted by Mr. Abhishek Singh, CEO MyGov; President & CEO NeGD; MD & CEO Digital India Corporation (DIC) at Govt of India and was co-hosted by Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, National Technology Officer Microsoft India.

The discussion aimed at learning from the best examples of utilization of AI in India or globally. The main idea powering the smart city and smart mobility concept is data science and the use of AI.

Dr. Rohini set the stage for the discussion with statistics which suggest that by 2030, 70% of India’s GDP will come from urban India, and urban India will constitute around 40% of India’s population. She also stated that while we focus on rural development, the need to understand urbanization is also equally important.

The discussion continued with insights being shared by Mr. Rahul Savdekar, Director - Industry Solutions (Asia Public Sector), Asia(APJ) Government Industry Lead at Microsoft Corporation(WWPS). He has diverse experience in understanding both the government and citizen viewpoint around smart cities. Adding his insights to the idea exchange, he said that to amplify human capabilities with AI; we must deploy reasoning (Learn and form conclusions from imperfect data), understanding (Interpret the meaning of data including text, voice, and images), and interacting (Interact with people in natural ways). He also explained how AI and data are the core of all smart city systems. With the ongoing smart city mission, it is important to engage citizens, transform government service, empower government employees, and optimize various processes.

The next panelist for the session was Mr. Guillaume Estegassy, who is the Global lead, Smart Buildings & Smart Places, WW Commercial Business, Microsoft Corp. He shared his views and suggested that smart city projects need to have a comprehensive digital model that includes products, assets, and operations to be able to track, simulate, and predict the future. He explained that the demand for smart places is growing owing to various drives such as sustainability, cost reduction, the need for modern and welcoming workplaces, and building brand value, and making a statement. This can mainly be achieved through cloud computing (more cost-effective and accessible big data, data analytics, and machine learning) and IoT, which can provide cost-effective sensors and connectivity.

Guillaume also explained that the scenario for smart places is all about equipment management, building services management, health, safety, security, space utilization, physical workplace services, and digital productivity. He also explained the idea of digital twin and its benefits, along with many examples. 

Mr. Oran Dror, the next panelist from Israel, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Axilion Smart Mobility. Axilion Smart Mobility is an AI company involved in building mobility digital twin with Azure. He expressed his delight over strengthening India- Israel relationship and collaboration around technology and innovation. He gave a detailed presentation around his work, which uses trained AI networks to improve the mobility of digital twin in Tel Aviv.

The QnA solved various queries from the participants around the world, which also led to a relocation that found students are keen on learning AI. Hence, we need to start early education for AI amounts children to build a stronger foundation for a better future.

When it comes to smart cities, top-priority use cases for AI and IoT deployments are public safety, environment, infrastructure, and transportation.

The session concluded with a takeaway that for a smooth and successful AI utilization in smart cities, we shall remember that human centricity is at the core of the idea, and we need a cross-agency collaboration and focus on the use cases.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay