BRICS Urban Future Forum: India and Russia Lead Megacity Innovation

BRICS Urban Future Forum: Pioneering Megacity Innovation

The BRICS Urban Future Forum 'Cloud City' recently concluded in Moscow, marking a significant milestone in the technological transformation of megacities. Over two days, the forum attracted more than 13,000 participants from 42 countries, bringing together leading experts in innovation, technology, urbanism, and futurology. This year, the focus was on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into urban infrastructure, with India and Russia taking center stage.

The Technological Framework of the City: A Global Perspective

At the session 'The Technological Framework of the City: The Space of the Future,' global city leaders discussed the role of modern technologies in enhancing urban competitiveness. One of the key speakers, Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor of Chandigarh (India), emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable ecosystem driven by technology, inclusivity, and innovation.

> "The development of a modern city is not only about buildings. It is about creating a sustainable ecosystem fueled by technology, inclusivity, and innovation," said Harpreet Kaur Babla.

Chandigarh, known as the safest city in India, is implementing a holistic strategy that focuses on social and cultural life, education, healthcare, and the smart city concept. Technologies are being leveraged to improve transport, waste management, and public safety systems, creating a cleaner, safer, and more efficient environment for all residents.

Robotics and AI: The Future of Urban Management

Robotics and AI were central themes at the forum. Indian experts shared their forecasts and highlighted the main challenges in a world full of smart machines. Anagh Singh, Vice President of Singularity VC India, noted the importance of AI for Russia, whose economy relies heavily on natural resources.

> "Robots, drones, and automated systems help reduce accidents and protect workers' lives. Risks are always present, but we need to start large-scale implementation and build state-business partnerships, because the demand for AI will only grow," Singh stressed.

Jayakrishnan Trivikraman, Founder and CEO of ASIMOV Robotics, provided a compelling forecast for global robotization. By 2027, there will be 15 million robots worldwide, and by 2060, this number is expected to reach three billion, with a global population of around 10 billion. This means that every third 'inhabitant' of the planet will be a robot.

> "Humanity will have to learn to coexist and evolve together with machines, creating new systems and bringing together the efforts of politicians, engineers, and diplomats," Trivikraman said.

Chandigarh’s Udaan Project: Empowering Women through Technology

The forum also recognized the efforts of Chandigarh in empowering women through the Udaan project, which focuses on skills development and digital integration. The project received the Women's Empowerment award, presented by Natalia Mochu, ITU Regional Director for the CIS, to Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla.

> "Chandigarh is committed to creating a city where women can thrive. The Udaan project is a testament to our commitment to gender equality and technological advancement," said Babla.

Moscow's Leadership in Urban Robotics

Moscow emerged as a leader in comprehensive urban robotics, winning the award for Human-Centered Robotics. The city has launched several innovative projects, including the driverless tram, the autonomous cleaning robot 'Pixel,' and a robotic monitoring system for construction sites. The award was presented to Moscow by Dr. Kate Barker, Chief Futurist of NEOM, who highlighted the city's global leadership in advanced autonomous systems.

> "Moscow's initiatives showcase the potential of robots in creating a more efficient and sustainable urban environment. The driverless tram and the Pixel cleaning robot are just the beginning of what we can achieve with urban robotics," Barker said.

The Role of Robots in the Forum

Robots played a central role at the event, with more than 35 devices showcasing various functions. The Russian cleaning robot 'Pixel' was presented in a new model equipped with a vacuum system for cleaning debris in parks and city streets. The upgraded Pixel model is particularly important for municipal services, especially during seasonal transitions.

For the first time, robots also became part of the business program. The humanoid robot Ardi shared its vision of a reality where artificial intelligence and robots are an integral part of urban infrastructure, while the robot Avatar, whose emotions and speech were transmitted in real-time from a human operator, served as the virtual moderator of the forum's business program.

The Bottom Line

The BRICS Urban Future Forum 'Cloud City' has set a new standard for megacity development, with India and Russia leading the way in the integration of AI and robotics. The forum's initiatives, such as the Udaan project in Chandigarh and the advanced robotics in Moscow, demonstrate the potential for technology to transform urban environments, making them more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive. As the world continues to urbanize, these innovations will play a crucial role in shaping the megacities of tomorrow.