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Smart Cities Advances in infrastructure, AI and cybersecurity

Published: November 2025

The further development of urban infrastructure through intelligent monitoring systems, autonomous technologies, and networked systems is fundamentally changing life in cities. The use of AI, sensors, and the IoT enables effective traffic management and increases safety in public spaces. Autonomous robots and AI-powered systems support rescue operations and infrastructure monitoring, while advanced IoT applications contribute to increased efficiency in urban areas. In parallel, 5G, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are driving connectivity and the development of smart cities, improving quality of life and infrastructure management. Given this interconnectedness, data protection and cybersecurity are gaining importance; technologies such as privacy-preserving technologies (PPTs), cameras, and edge computing play a key role in protecting sensitive data.

Guiding questions

  • How can the balance between real-time monitoring and data protection be optimally achieved in urban infrastructures?
  • What infrastructure investments are necessary to make smart cities in Thuringia sustainable and safe?
  • How can emergency and risk management systems be optimized to enable real-time responses to incidents?
  • What specific cybersecurity and data protection technology requirements exist to protect the increasing connectivity in urban environments?
Image description: A cityscape with neon lights and passing cars at night.

challenges

With increasing connectivity and digitalization in smart cities, complex challenges arise in the areas of cybersecurity and data protection. Sensitive data must be protected and simultaneously available in real time for analysis and decision-making. Furthermore, the widespread implementation of AI and IoT technologies requires a robust infrastructure that meets the demands of a connected city. The integration of 5G and highly specialized emergency management systems is also critical to ensure that new technologies function smoothly and securely. Moreover, the scalability of these technologies for larger urban areas presents a challenge.

Concrete examples

  • Optimizing traffic flow through adaptive traffic light systems and diversion routes
  • Robots for rescue missions
Image description: Foresight – Thuringia, Blue Eye in focus

Foresight Report

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Reference

Your contact persons

Reference

Michel Reichardt

Michel Reichardt Project Manager Strategic Foresight

Christoph Grollman

Christoph Grollman Project Manager Strategic Foresight

Dr. Sophia Gänßle

Dr. Sophia Gänßle Project Manager Data Science Strategic Foresight

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