AI-DRIVEN SMART CITIES: URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

The rapid growth of urban populations and the increasing complexity of municipal infrastructure have created an urgent need for innovative approaches to urban planning and resource management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a significant technological tool for developing smart cities by improving infrastructure efficiency, optimizing resource consumption, and supporting environmental sustainability. This article examines the role of AI-driven technologies in urban infrastructure management, focusing on intelligent transportation systems, energy optimization, waste management, water resource monitoring, environmental protection, and data-based urban planning. It also analyzes the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating AI into municipal services, including data privacy, cybersecurity, financial costs, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide. The discussion demonstrates that AI can contribute to more sustainable and resilient urban environments when implemented through reliable digital infrastructure, transparent governance, and environmentally responsible policies. The article concludes that the successful development of AI-driven smart cities requires a balanced approach that combines technological innovation, effective public administration, citizen participation, and long-term sustainability objectives.