I more and more often notice the differences between my homecountry, The Netherlands and Germany. No matter, if about Infrastructures, Digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and Culture. Underneath some facts, which I found during my researches.
The Netherlands, particularly cities like Amsterdam, actively uses AI in city design and to assist impaired citizens. Amsterdam employs AI for urban planning, such as using computer vision to scan streets for accessibility barriers and garbage collection optimization.
We need your consent to load the content of YouTube.More information: https://bloombergcities.jhu.edu/news/amsterdam-shows-where-digital-urban-planning-headed
The city also launched an AI Register to enhance transparency and human-centered AI applications https://aiforgood.itu.int/helsinki-and-amsterdam-launch-ai-registers-to-detail-city-systems. Additionally, Breda uses generative AI to create digital twins for infrastructure analysis https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/building-tomorrows-cities-today-role-ai-shaping-urban-angela-heise-q1f0e. These initiatives demonstrate the Netherlands’ commitment to integrating AI in urban environments to improve accessibility and efficiency.
How Amsterdam is using AI to improve accessibility for impaired citizens
Amsterdam is using AI to improve accessibility for impaired citizens through several initiatives. The Project Sidewalk allows users to virtually explore the city and report accessibility issues like broken curbs and obstacles, which are then analyzed using AI to enhance city planning and accessibility mapping.
Amsterdam and Accessibility: Here’s how AI startups are helping the city
https://www.themayor.eu/en/a/view/amsterdam-improves-city-accessibility-with-machine-learning-10074
The Amsterdam for All initiative employs AI to develop tools like a prototype route planner that considers mobility needs, such as curb height and sidewalk width, to help people with reduced mobility navigate the city more easily. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive urban environment. https://amsterdamintelligence.com/projects/amsterdam-for-all
Project Sidewalk pilot work
The Project Sidewalk pilot is a web-based tool that allows users to virtually explore city streets and label pedestrian accessibility issues using Google Street View. Users engage in missions, similar to a first-person video game, to identify obstacles like broken curbs or missing ramps. The platform uses game design elements to train and motivate users, who can be anyone with internet access. The data collected is analyzed using AI to improve urban planning and accessibility mapping, making it useful for both city planners and people with disabilities. https://dl.acm.org/doi/fullHtml/10.1145/3290605.3300292
We need your consent to load the content of YouTube.What role do AI startups play in Amsterdam’s accessibility initiatives
AI startups in Amsterdam play a significant role in enhancing accessibility initiatives. For instance, Amberscript uses AI for speech-to-text transcription, aiding communication for those with hearing impairments
The Haltebuddy (Bus Stop Buddy) app personalizes accessibility information
The Haltebuddy app personalizes accessibility information by tailoring public transport details to the specific needs of users with mobility impairments. It considers factors such as wheelchair type and individual mobility preferences to provide customized travel routes and information. This personalization helps users navigate public transport more effectively, ensuring that their unique accessibility requirements are met. The app’s development is part of broader efforts in Amsterdam to use AI and data to enhance urban accessibility for all residents. https://siliconcanals.com/amsterdam-ai-startups-accessibility/
Amsterdam for All project collaborates with international partners
The Amsterdam for All project collaborates with several international partners to advance inclusive and accessible urban development using AI. Key aspects of this collaboration include:
- Partnership with World Enabled: Amsterdam works closely with World Enabled, an international disability organization, to develop and implement AI solutions for accessibility
- Collaboration with the University of Washington: The project partners with the University of Washington, likely leveraging their expertise in accessibility research and technology development
- Global Compact on Inclusive and Accessible Cities: Amsterdam signed this UN-backed compact, which facilitates partnerships with other global cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Berlin to foster inclusivity and accessibility
- Project Sidewalk: This initiative, which allows users to virtually explore and label accessibility issues in Amsterdam, is part of an international effort. Similar deployments exist in 20 cities across four continents, including the US, Mexico, Ecuador, Switzerland, and New Zealand
- AI Playbook development: The project created an AI Playbook on Inclusive and Accessible Cities in collaboration with international stakeholders, serving as a guide for other cities worldwide
- Cities for All (C4All) initiative: Amsterdam for All is part of this broader international initiative, working with global partners on inclusive urban development
These collaborations enable Amsterdam to share knowledge, leverage international expertise, and contribute to global efforts in making cities more accessible and inclusive through AI-driven solutions.
What makes the Amsterdam platform unique compared to others
- Open Data Platform: Amsterdam has made its City Data open source, allowing everyone to access and contribute to the collection of over 12,000 data sets. This transparency and collaborative approach is a key differentiator
- Digital Infrastructure: The Netherlands has the fastest internet in the EU, providing a robust foundation for digital innovation
- Startup Ecosystem: Amsterdam has created a comprehensive support system for startups through initiatives like StartupAmsterdam, which connects entrepreneurs to key players, mentors, investors, and resources
- Collaborative Approach: The “Amsterdam Approach” focuses on collaboration between citizens, civil society, private sector, knowledge institutions, and the municipality to address urban challenges
- Pakhuis de Zwijger: This unique cultural organization serves as an independent platform for urban innovation, hosting daily events related to city issues and fostering civic dialogue
- Inclusive Innovation: Amsterdam emphasizes inclusivity in its innovation ecosystem, with efforts to empower women entrepreneurs and engage in discussions about emerging technologies and their societal impacts
- Global Partnerships: Amsterdam has signed the Global Compact on Inclusive and Accessible Cities, collaborating with other global cities to foster inclusivity and accessibility
- AI for Accessibility: The city is conducting extensive research into how artificial intelligence can contribute to urban accessibility through projects like Amsterdam for All
- Digital City Agenda: Amsterdam is committed to creating a digitally navigable city, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to a more accessible urban environment for everyone
https://www.amsterdamai.com/en/
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/business/key-sectors-for-business/artificial-intelligence
We need your consent to load the content of YouTube.Step into the past and witness Amsterdam’s incredible 750-year journey, brought to life with the power of AI! From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to becoming a vibrant global city, this breathtaking video recreates key moments that shaped Amsterdam into the iconic capital it is today. Using advanced AI techniques, inspired by centuries-old paintings and drawings, this video offers stunning detail and a fresh perspective on Amsterdam’s transformation. Created by Dutch filmmaker and artist Bob de Jong (@bobartx) as a tribute to the city’s rich and colorful history, this project lets you experience old Amsterdam like never before. If you enjoyed this journey through Amsterdam’s past, please like, comment, and subscribe to support more AI-powered explorations!
Made by artist & filmmaker Bob de Jong
