AI in Action – Global Success Stories Cities Can Learn From
Around the world, cities are already using AI to solve real problems, from reducing traffic congestion and improving public safety to protecting the environment and making better use of limited resources.
By Toni Popovski / 21.10.2025
From Vision to Reality
In our previous blog, I explored what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is and why it matters for the future of cities in North Macedonia. We learned that AI is not about distant futuristic gadgets, but about making the systems we already rely on smarter, faster, and more efficient.
But how does this look in practice? Around the world, cities are already using AI to solve real problems, from reducing traffic congestion and improving public safety to protecting the environment and making better use of limited resources.
These global success stories are not just inspiring examples; they are practical roadmaps for how our own cities can take the first steps. By looking at what has worked elsewhere, North Macedonia can avoid costly mistakes and leapfrog directly into a smarter future.
Smarter Mobility: Beating Traffic Jams with AI
Traffic congestion is one of the most visible challenges in urban life. It wastes time, pollutes the air, and frustrates residents. AI is proving to be a game-changer in how cities manage traffic and public transportation.
Pittsburgh, USA – Adaptive Traffic Lights
In Pittsburgh, an AI-driven system called Surtrac continuously analyzes vehicle movements and adjusts traffic signals in real time. The results are impressive:
25% reduction in travel times
40% decrease in vehicle idling
Smoother commutes and lower emissions
This system not only saves time but also contributes to cleaner air and better quality of life.
Hangzhou, China – The “City Brain”
In Hangzhou, a city of over 10 million people, traffic used to be a nightmare. The government launched the City Brain project, a massive AI platform that integrates data from traffic cameras, GPS devices, public transport, and emergency services.
According to independent reports, this has led to:
15% increase in average traffic speeds.
Faster emergency response times.
Better coordination of public transport and logistics.
The City Brain doesn’t just react to traffic problems — it predicts and prevents them before they occur.
London, UK – Smarter Public Transport
London uses AI to manage its massive public transport network.
Real-time data helps predict passenger flows, optimize schedules, and prevent overcrowding on buses and trains. Transport for London has also experimented with AI-based demand prediction to keep services reliable (Source: Transport for London Open Data).
Lesson for North Macedonia: AI-powered traffic lights and real-time public transport tracking are low-cost, high-impact projects that could be piloted in Skopje and other major cities to reduce congestion and improve urban mobility.
Waste and Water: Doing More with Less
Waste management and water systems are vital city services, but they are often plagued by inefficiencies. AI can help cities cut costs and reduce environmental impact by optimising these essential services.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Smarter Waste Collection
In Johannesburg, AI is used to plan garbage truck routes dynamically. Instead of following fixed schedules, trucks only visit bins that are full. This approach:
Saves fuel and labor costs.
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Improves service reliability.
It’s a simple change with a big impact — and one that is particularly relevant for cities with limited budgets.
London, UK – Detecting Water Leaks
Water is a precious resource, and leaks are a costly problem.
In London, FIDO Tech’s AI platform uses acoustic sensors to “listen” for leaks underground.
The system has helped reduce water loss by 15%, saving over $90 million annually and ensuring more reliable service for residents.
Lesson for North Macedonia: Smart waste collection and predictive water maintenance can help municipalities stretch limited budgets further while delivering cleaner, more efficient services.
Public Safety: Protecting Citizens with AI
Safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of local governments. AI can help police, fire departments, and emergency services react faster and prevent problems before they escalate.
Singapore – Predictive Public Safety
Singapore uses AI to analyze data from cameras and sensors to detect potential threats, from natural disasters to crowd control issues. Authorities can act immediately to prevent incidents or minimize damage, keeping citizens safe.
Barcelona, Spain – Managing Large Events
Barcelona is a popular destination for festivals and events that attract huge crowds. The city applies AI-driven systems to monitor real-time data during major events, helping to:
Prevent overcrowding.
Coordinate emergency responses.
Ensure efficient flow of people and traffic.
Lesson for North Macedonia: AI can make cities safer by improving emergency response coordination, especially during large gatherings like concerts, protests, or sporting events.
Protecting the Environment: Data-Driven Resilience and Sustainability
Cities are on the front lines of the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. AI provides powerful tools for monitoring and resilence.
Helsinki, Finland – A Digital Twin for the Whole City
Helsinki has created a digital twin, a virtual replica of the entire city. This allows planners to:
Simulate the impact of new buildings on wind patterns and sunlight.
Test how transportation changes affect traffic flow.
Plan for climate resilience and green spaces.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Smarter Air Quality Monitoring
Amsterdam uses AI sensors to track pollution in real time. This helps identify sources of pollution and design targeted interventions to improve air quality.
The city also shares this data openly with citizens to increase transparency and trust.
Lesson for North Macedonia: With air pollution being a major concern in cities like Skopje and Tetovo, AI-powered monitoring can provide the data needed to take meaningful action.
Key Steps for Macedonian Cities
Global examples show that AI isn’t only for wealthy or technologically advanced cities. Many solutions — such as smart traffic lights and waste sensors — are affordable and easily applicable in Macedonia as well.
The I-HI Think Tank recommends the following initial steps:
Start with pilot projects – small-scale initiatives in one neighborhood or focused on a single public service.
Focus on priority areas – transport, waste management, and public safety/resilience.
Build partnerships – collaborate with universities, NGOs, and private companies.
Engage citizens – ensure transparency and participatory decision-making.
AI is already transforming cities worldwide. Macedonia can avoid costly mistakes and move faster by learning from these examples.