In a world rapidly embracing digital transformation, the concept of smart cities has gained significant traction. Amazon’s exploration into the reasoning abilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) is a testament to the evolving nature of technology in urban planning. Meanwhile, a leading expert in sustainable urban development, Professor Deo Prasad from the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), emphasizes that the core of smart city development is not about technology itself, but about delivering intelligent services that enhance people’s work and lives.
The Future of Smart Cities
During the second China-Australia Science Future Conference, Professor Prasad highlighted the importance of future-oriented planning for smart cities. He suggested that smaller cities with less mature infrastructure might have better development opportunities. This is because they have the advantage of starting from a clean slate, allowing for more forward-thinking and adaptable urban planning.
The Role of Technology
While technology is a critical component of smart city development, Professor Prasad believes that it is not the end goal. The core of smart city construction is not the technology itself, but the ability to align with people’s lifestyles and provide truly intelligent services through technology and data in all aspects of life, he said.
As an international expert in sustainable architecture and urban development, Professor Prasad has extensive influence in the fields of sustainable development and renewable energy. He currently serves as the CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL), Australia’s largest industry-government-professional-research collaboration company in the built environment sector.
The Advantages of Smaller Cities
The global trend of building smart cities has led to the adoption of technologies such as 5G, AI, cloud computing, and big data in urban operations. In China alone, more than 500 cities have proposed smart city initiatives. Smaller cities, particularly those in the third and fourth tiers, may have an advantage over more developed urban centers due to their less mature infrastructure.
Professor Prasad explained in an interview with DeepTech that over the next 20 years, the development of technology will significantly change how people work and live, and their needs for infrastructure will evolve accordingly. Newer, smaller cities have a better opportunity to plan ahead, considering potential changes in work, lifestyle, and transportation, he said.
Planning for the Future
Professor Prasad used transportation as an example. With the continuous development of electric vehicle and autonomous driving technologies, it is widely believed that future highways may not need as many lanes to ensure safe travel. Roads currently being built may become redundant in the future.
The new city is a blank canvas, and it’s certainly easier to make changes from the ground up, Professor Prasad emphasized. He added that it is crucial to start with smart planning from the beginning, while existing metropolises need to gradually and incrementally upgrade their urban infrastructure.
Technology and People-Centric Services
The essence of smart city development is not just about technology, but about providing truly convenient services for people’s daily lives. This encompasses various aspects, including water, electricity, waste management, and transportation. With the increasing availability of data, the goal of smart cities is to integrate these areas and achieve the transformation from data collection to intelligent services.
Professor Prasad pointed out that the key to enhancing urban intelligence is not just about technology but about delivering services that truly benefit people’s lives. It’s about connecting all these aspects and using new technologies to create intelligent services, he said.
Conclusion
Amazon’s exploration of LLM reasoning abilities reflects the growing importance of technology in shaping smart cities. However, Professor Deo Prasad’s insights remind us that the ultimate goal is to create cities that serve people’s needs and improve their quality of life. As the world continues to evolve, the success of smart cities will be measured not by the sophistication of their technology but by the impact they have on the lives of their inhabitants.
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