The United Kingdom made headlines this week with its new AI planning assistant named Extract. Developed with Google’s Gemini technology, this tool helps local governments scan handwritten maps and documents from the 1900s in seconds. It aims to slash approval times for homebuilding projects, supporting the UK’s goal of constructing 1.5 million new homes by 2030. Planning officers currently spend over 250,000 hours yearly checking old paperwork – a delay Extract could eliminate by 2026.

NVIDIA introduced a global smart city blueprint using AI agents and digital twins. Urban planners can now create virtual copies of entire cities to simulate traffic patterns, energy use, and emergency responses. Companies like Bentley and Trimble are already using this system to design safer neighborhoods. The technology helps test ideas like bike lane placements or solar farm layouts before real construction begins.

New York City expanded its AI-powered crosswalk safety program. Using dashcam footage from volunteer drivers, the system identifies poorly marked crosswalks needing repairs. This project by Blyncsy has already reduced pedestrian accidents in pilot areas. The city plans to add more cameras on garbage trucks and street sweepers for better coverage.

In Canada, telecom giant BCE announced six new AI data centers in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. These facilities will power advanced planning tools for housing and public transit. The $200 million project highlights how AI infrastructure is becoming as important as roads and bridges for modern cities.

Around the world, cities are adopting AI chatbots to improve community engagement. Seattle uses these tools to summarize thousands of public comments on zoning changes in minutes. Sydney’s AI translates feedback into multiple languages, helping immigrant communities participate in park redesigns. Planners say this approach makes decision-making faster and fairer for all residents.