The concept of a smart city has been around for decades, driven by a utopian vision of city systems, services, workers, and residents functioning in synchronicity for a more efficient, safer, and productive environment. Artificial intelligence (AI) will likely be the catalyst for enabling the smart city. Smart cities will use machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), computer vision (CV), and natural language processing (NLP) technologies (among others) to enable city services, assets, and systems to become more powerful, efficient, and automated. These improvements will result in an enhanced environment in which to live, work, and play. Most city planners and departments are focused on operational, fiscal, or quality of life issues. Today’s cities are expected to evolve so that the business and residential experience is efficient and cost-effective. Failure to address quality of life issues will result in businesses, residents, and tourists seeking out other cities or choosing to reside and work in the suburbs or exurbs. The goal is to create city systems and services that operate more efficiently and provide significant benefits. These benefits can come in many forms, including reduced or more efficient traffic, cleaner air, more efficient government services, and reduced crime. Tractica forecasts that global smart city AI software revenue will reach nearly $5 billion annually by 2025, up from $673.8 million in 2019. This Tractica report provides a quantitative assessment of the market opportunity for smart city AI applications. The study includes analyses of 23 AI use cases distributed across six industry sectors: governance, safety & security, mobility & transportation, energy & resource management, infrastructure management, and healthcare. Each use case is described in detail, along with real-world examples of technology being deployed in smart cities around the world. Global market forecasts, segmented by technology, geography, sector, industry, and use case, extend through 2025. Profiles of 37 companies active in the smart city AI space are also included in the report.
The Analyst Team

Keith Kirkpatrick
Principal Analyst , AI Vertical Applications
Keith covers artificial intelligence and advanced computing technologies, with a focus on the use of machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and machine reasoning within the enterprise market. He also covers emerging and advanced technology, including high-performance computing technology and quantum computing.
Keith joined Omdia (formerly Tractica) in 2016, having previously contributed research and analysis for ABI Research, Navigant Research, and Freedonia Group, as well as his own firm, 4K Research & Consulting, LLC. Based in New York, Keith began his career as a financial and technology journalist in 1995 and has written for a wide variety of national and trade publications, including Investment Dealers’ Digest, Red Herring, BusinessWeek, Communications of the ACM, and Mobile Computing & Communications. Kirkpatrick is a member of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP). He holds a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism and sociology from Syracuse University.
Thank you
Our expert analysts will review your question and the Ask an Analyst team will get back to you. We aim to respond within 24 hours, but we’re often quicker.
Ask an Analyst
Our team of experts are here to answer your questions. From advice on market trends to a query on research point, and everything in between, we want to hear from you.
Ask an analyst is available as part of a subscription. If you'd like access, contact us today.
This Report is included in: