The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) launched the AI for Cities exhibition on June 3 at the URA Centre, highlighting 10 AI projects that integrate artificial intelligence into urban planning, building, and management across Singapore [1, 2]. Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah opened the event and stressed AI’s role in improving safety and liveability, saying, "This exhibition offers a glimpse into the many AI-driven initiatives... AI can be an instrument for a better city" [1].
Among the projects is a Singapore-ETH Centre study using AI, sensors, and robots to analyze how neighborhood design affects fall risks among older adults in Yio Chu Kang [1, 2]. The study began in 2023, recruiting participants aged 45 to 94 who wear sensors on their back, ankles, wrists, and waist to collect gait data for fall risk assessment [1, 2]. As of June 3, researchers gathered data from 35 participants, including those with knee osteoarthritis or a history of falls, with plans to recruit an additional 60 to 80 over the next six months [2].
Kresimir Friganovic from the Singapore-ETH Centre noted the challenge of testing in real-life environments versus labs. He said, "In the lab, testers mostly walk in a straight path or on the treadmill, but outside, there are much more complex influences" [1]. The centre aims to complete the study by April 2027 and share the findings with authorities to enhance safety and liveability for seniors [2].
Other showcased projects include a planning guidelines chatbot to assist users and a facade defect detection scanner that aims to reduce time and manpower in inspection tasks [1]. URA and local firm V3 Smart Technologies developed a Mobile AI Detection system mounted on patrol vehicles with three cameras. It monitors dangerous parking behavior with 95% accuracy, trained on 670 hours of video and over 250,000 frames [2].
Minister Indranee Rajah highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption in Singapore. She said in Mandarin, "随着我们更广泛地应用AI，我们必须以负责任的态度来推进。AI必须是透明、可信赖的，并且归根结底要以人为本。它不应该是被动施加给民众的东西，而应该是为他们服务的工具" [2].
The URA plans to publicly launch the Development Control Assistant chatbot in Q3 2026 to help users access planning and development guidelines [1, 2]. The AI for Cities exhibition runs free of charge at the URA Centre until August 21, 2026 [2].
