A Smart City leverages data and technology to improve the relationship between residents and government, enable social innovation, improve the quality of life across communities, and deliver efficient and effective services to our residents. Smart City systems encompass four levels of resources: devices, management, networks, and infrastructure. When these resources are in place, they can connect an array of systems from devices to networks to infrastructure, and harness the data and technology within these systems to improve the function of a city.

The City of Memphis has a Smart City Plan outlining priorities, including utilities, transportation and streets, buildings, public safety, digital equity, and public services. Memphis is investing heavily in Smart City technology such as: 1) high-speed fiber infrastructure, 2) IoT (“internet of things”) real-time camera capture and data analysis to improve issues like traffic, emergency response and public safety, and 3) AI that can personalize residents’ experiences with City services or help City staff perform some tasks more efficiently.

Some existing programs include:

AI-Powered Pothole Detection
The City of Memphis partnered with Google and Egen to apply machine learning and AI algorithms detect potholes using panoramic cameras mounted on the fronts of city buses. This information swiftly send repair tickets to city crew members, streamlining the repair process and ensures safer roads.
Smart Street Lights
The recent conversion of LED street lights allows MLGW to remotely control the lights’ operating times and brightness levels to balance public safety and energy conservation needs. 
Smart Fiber Network
Announced in 2024, the City of Memphis is partnering with Blue Suede Networks and Ting to build a Smart Memphis Fiber Network to provide high-speed, symmetrical fiber broadband that will soon be accessible citywide. 

Call to Action:
With all of these infrastructure investments underway and new tools like AI available to staff and residents alike, the City is seeking new ideas on how these types of technology might be used to improve civic services and resources for Memphians. Hacker teams that focus on this challenge will have the opportunity to develop a new idea for a Smart City or AI use case and create a prototype to illustrate how it would work in the context of City of Memphis services. During the Hackathon, Midsouth Makers will also have fabrication tools available such as 3D printing for teams interested in creating physical prototypes.

Potential Hackathon Topics
Potential Hackathon subtopics to pursue include (but aren’t limited to) the following:
*Designing use cases or data dashboard prototypes specific City division(s) can use to improve services with Smart City technology
*Designing resident-facing prototypes or use cases to improve the end user experience with the City website or service portals with Smart City technology
*Designing apps and physical sensor/IoT data capturing tools that residents or staff can use to capture better insights about civic issues or automate service requests
*Demonstrating how AI automation/interaction can enhance how City staff deliver services
*Demonstrating how AI can enhance how Memphians can receive services, especially with accessibility needs such as native language or disability status in mind
*Prototyping API/data interoperability tools or processes to connect data sources for a specific service or issue

Hacker Skill Sets Needed
*Machine learning and AI
*IoT embedded systems, networking protocols, sensor integrations
*Data science and analysis 
*GIS and mapping
*Programming and coding
*App and web tool development
*Project management
*Communications, marketing and design
*Behavior science/user experience expertise