In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban management, cities are turning to cutting-edge technologies to tackle age-old challenges. A recent virtual panel hosted as part of the SmartCitiesWorld Summit 2026 brought together thought leaders from across the globe to discuss how digital twins, artificial intelligence, and connected urban infrastructure are fundamentally reshaping the way cities operate. The session, titled “Operating smarter: using digital twins and AI to reshape urban infrastructure management,” focused on practical strategies that local authorities can adopt to improve sustainability, resilience, and overall performance.
Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets, systems, or processes—have emerged as a powerful tool for city planners and operators. By simulating real-world conditions, they allow officials to test scenarios, predict outcomes, and optimize resource allocation without disrupting daily operations. The panel emphasized that when combined with AI algorithms, digital twins become even more potent, enabling predictive maintenance of critical infrastructure, intelligent traffic management, and real-time energy optimization. For example, AI can analyze data from sensors embedded in streetlights, water pipes, and public transport networks to detect anomalies before they lead to failures.
Sam Markey, Founder of Recurve, kicked off the discussion by highlighting an often-overlooked lever for urban resilience: strategic procurement. He argued that cities typically focus on climate goals through energy efficiency or renewable energy mandates, but the procurement process itself holds immense potential. By specifying performance-based criteria, integrating life-cycle costing, and favoring local suppliers, municipalities can simultaneously build capacity in their communities and reduce long-term carbon impacts. Markey cited case studies where cities used procurement to create markets for low-carbon concrete, recycled asphalt, and green building materials, thereby accelerating the transition to a circular economy.
Tom Gerend, executive director of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority, provided a vivid example of how transportation infrastructure can serve as a catalyst for broader urban renewal. He described the return of rail to downtown Kansas City, which not only improved mobility but also reconnected the central business district with the Missouri Riverfront. The streetcar line unlocked significant private investment, leading to new housing, retail, and mixed-use developments. Gerend stressed that the project’s success hinged on an integrated planning approach—coordinating transit with land use, data sharing between agencies, and community engagement. He also noted that digital twin technology was used to simulate ridership patterns and optimize service frequency during large events, demonstrating how simulation tools can enhance operational efficiency.
Energy systems were another core topic. The panel delved into how local authorities can transform from passive consumers of centrally supplied power into active leaders of the energy transition. Through investments in renewables, demand-side flexibility, battery storage, and smarter network management, cities can reduce peak loads, lower emissions, and create new revenue streams. One panelist highlighted a project in which city-owned buildings were retrofitted with smart meters and IoT sensors, allowing aggregated demand response. This not only slashed electricity costs but also supported grid stability during extreme weather events—a growing necessity as climate change intensifies.
The discussion also touched on the importance of cross-sector collaboration. A representative from Microsoft, Katherine Flesh, contributed insights from the technology sector. She argued that while transport agencies are increasingly deploying AI to improve services, the greatest gains will come only when strong data foundations are in place. This means standardizing data formats, ensuring interoperability across legacy systems, investing in workforce training, and establishing ethical governance frameworks to avoid bias and protect privacy. Flesh cited examples from cities that have successfully implemented AI for predictive bus maintenance, dynamic tolling, and real-time passenger information, but warned that without responsible governance, these tools risk exacerbating inequality.
Several on-demand resources were also highlighted during the panel. A dedicated webinar on “How AI and data are transforming transport operations and services” was recommended for professionals seeking deeper technical insights. Additionally, two episodes of the series “Cities Thriving on Lighting” were mentioned, focusing on the evolution of smart lighting from basic energy efficiency to a platform for IoT sensors, communications, and cybersecurity risk management. The panel noted that as streetlights become connected endpoints in a citywide network, they must be secure by design. Vulnerabilities in lighting systems can provide entry points for cyberattacks that disrupt traffic signals, emergency response, or even public Wi-Fi.
City profiles of Sunderland and Dublin were also featured as exemplars. Sunderland, a post-industrial city in the UK, has repositioned itself as a leading smart city by investing in digital infrastructure, low-carbon innovation, and a future-focused economy. The city’s strategy includes a district energy system powered by waste heat from a data centre, a 5G testbed for autonomous vehicles, and a digital twin of the entire waterfront to guide regeneration. Dublin, meanwhile, is leveraging digital twin projects to improve experiences and services for its communities. The Irish capital is deploying sensor networks to reduce traffic congestion, optimize waste collection routes, and monitor air quality in real time. Both cases illustrate that the journey toward smart urbanism is not one-size-fits-all; context matters deeply.
Ecomondo, a key event in the green and circular economy sector, also contributed to the panel. Representatives discussed the priorities shaping healthier, more sustainable cities—such as zero-waste strategies, urban regeneration, and climate adaptation. They explained why platforms like the SmartCitiesWorld Summit are valuable for sharing practical solutions and building new connections across sectors. The exchange of ideas between European cities, Asian megacities, and North American municipalities underscored the global nature of these challenges and the shared need for collaborative innovation.
Throughout the discussion, a recurring theme was the importance of data-driven decision-making. Cities that embrace digital twins and AI are not simply adopting new technologies; they are fundamentally changing their governance models. Instead of reacting to problems after they occur, they can predict and prevent them. Instead of siloed departments, they can integrate water, energy, transport, and waste management into a single holistic view. This integrated approach promises not only operational savings but also improved quality of life for citizens. However, panelists cautioned that technology is only one piece of the puzzle. Leadership, political will, and community engagement are equally critical. Successful smart city initiatives require buy-in from elected officials, alignment with local values, and transparent communication about the benefits and trade-offs.
Looking ahead, the panel identified several emerging trends that will shape urban infrastructure management in the coming years. These include the convergence of digital twins with building information modeling (BIM) for design and construction, the use of generative AI to produce alternative plans for public consultation, and the integration of blockchain for transparent supply chains in municipal procurement. As cities face mounting pressures from climate change, population growth, and fiscal constraints, the tools discussed in this summit offer a credible path toward resilience and sustainability. The focus is no longer on whether to adopt these technologies, but how to deploy them effectively, ethically, and equitably for all residents.
The virtual panel concluded with a reminder that the journey is ongoing. Cities that begin today by piloting digital twins in a single district, training staff on AI fundamentals, or reforming procurement guidelines will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly complex urban world. The resources shared—including daily and weekly newsletters from SmartCitiesWorld—provide a continuous stream of case studies, expert opinions, and research findings to keep practitioners informed and inspired. As the event made clear, the future of urban infrastructure is not just about smarter machines; it is about smarter governance, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building cities that work for everyone.
Source:Smart Cities World News