The relationship between humanity and rural environments is as ancient as civilization itself. From the dawn of sedentary life through agriculture and animal domestication, rural societies have been the foundation of food production and societal development. However, in the 21st century, this historical legacy faces complex challenges—chief among them, an aging population of agricultural workers, land abandonment, and a disconnect between rural life and younger generations. At the same time, unprecedented opportunities are emerging through technological innovation, particularly through the implementation of artificial intelligence…
Energy is the invisible lifeblood of modern cities. Every light switched on, every electric vehicle charging, every data center operating — all contribute to a growing and increasingly unpredictable demand. Traditional power grids were never designed for this complexity. They distribute energy in one direction, from producer to consumer, following static patterns that often fail to adapt to rapid fluctuations in use. As cities grow smarter, this old model is being replaced by AI-driven smart grids capable of balancing energy dynamically, efficiently, and in real…
The recent election of Zohran Mamdani as the mayor of New York has sparked widespread conversation among municipal leaders and experts attending the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. His victory has been celebrated not only for his progressive agenda but also for his ability to forge a strong, direct connection with voters through transparent communication and a focus on everyday urban challenges such as housing, transportation, and social equity. While his leadership represents a generational shift in political engagement, it also reflects…
Parking infrastructure in major metropolitan areas is undergoing a profound transformation, evolving from static storage spaces for vehicles into dynamic, multifunctional urban service hubs. One of the most illustrative examples of this shift is the initiative led by Indigo, a global leader in parking and mobility solutions, in collaboration with Corsalis, a logistics and spatial planning specialist. Together, they are pioneering a new model of hybrid parking infrastructure, with the flagship project taking shape at the Foch parking facility in Paris, strategically located between…
The way cities move is changing faster than ever. For decades, traffic management relied on rigid systems: fixed schedules for public transport, manually programmed traffic lights, and human operators reacting to congestion after it occurred. These methods worked in the past, but in a world of millions of daily data points —from GPS devices, sensors, and connected vehicles— they are no longer enough. Artificial intelligence is now enabling a fundamental shift toward autonomous traffic systems, where the city learns to regulate its own circulation. At…
The digital transformation of cities is rapidly becoming one of the most defining challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. As urban populations continue to grow, municipalities face increasing pressure to deliver more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive public services. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges not only as a technological enabler but as a strategic catalyst capable of reshaping how urban spaces are managed, governed, and experienced. During the recent Smart City Expo World Congress, held in Barcelona from November 4 to 6,…
Cities have always evolved in response to human needs, but the pace and complexity of today's urban challenges have surpassed the capabilities of traditional planning models. While predictive planning — based on forecasts and statistical models — has been instrumental in estimating urban growth, traffic patterns, or energy consumption, it is no longer sufficient on its own. The rise of continuous, real-time data flows has opened the door to a new paradigm: adaptive urban planning, powered by artificial intelligence. Adaptive urban planning enables cities to…
