Conventional smart city technologies are based on typical von Neumann architectures in which single units of data are coded in the form of either “0” or “1.” Novel urban quantum technologies, on the other hand, are based on the fundamental principles of quantum physics and, thus, transcend the conventions of classic computer architectures. Although having substantial technological potential and managerial relevance for smart cities of the near future, they are still rarely investigated in smart city literature and, in general, as a breakthrough business model. Moreover, no scholarly articles exist on the potential contributions of quantum technologies to different facets of conventional smart city technologies, for example, cloud computing, AI, and blockchain. This article aims to bridge the ontological gap between the two types of urban technology. Accordingly, we perform a detailed thematic synthesis of two types of quantum technologies having the highest implementation potential within different urban infrastructures and, more generally, for thriving urban techno-systems: quantum computing and quantum communication. This is achieved through a semi-systematic literature review of 80 scholarly documents on the topic within the domain of social sciences. Then, we establish a comprehensive taxonomy of conventional (non-quantum) smart city technologies based on a lexical analysis of over 500 abstracts of scholarly documents on different technological aspects of smart cities. Finally, we relate the two classes of technologies—conventional smart city technologies, and urban quantum technologies—through quantitative content analysis of 80 papers identified and retrieved for the prior thematic synthesis. For this goal, principal component analysis is performed, complemented by agglomerative hierarchical clustering.
Conventional smart city technologies are based on typical von Neumann architectures in which single units of data are coded in the form of either “0” or “1.” Novel urban quantum technologies, on the other hand, are based on the fundamental principles of quantum physics and, thus, transcend the conventions of classic computer architectures. Although having substantial technological potential and managerial relevance for smart cities of the near future, they are still rarely investigated in smart city literature and, in general, as a breakthrough business model. Moreover, no scholarly articles exist on the potential contributions of quantum technologies to different facets of conventional smart city technologies, for example, cloud computing, AI, and blockchain. This article aims to bridge the ontological gap between the two types of urban technology. Accordingly, we perform a detailed thematic synthesis of two types of quantum technologies having the highest implementation potential within different urban infrastructures and, more generally, for thriving urban techno-systems: quantum computing and quantum communication. This is achieved through a semi-systematic literature review of 80 scholarly documents on the topic within the domain of social sciences. Then, we establish a comprehensive taxonomy of conventional (non-quantum) smart city technologies based on a lexical analysis of over 500 abstracts of scholarly documents on different technological aspects of smart cities. Finally, we relate the two classes of technologies—conventional smart city technologies, and urban quantum technologies—through quantitative content analysis of 80 papers identified and retrieved for the prior thematic synthesis. For this goal, principal component analysis is performed, complemented by agglomerative hierarchical clustering.
The increasing complexity of urban environments necessitates computational advancements beyond the capabilities of classical systems. Traditional computing frameworks, grounded in a Newtonian worldview, face significant limitations in addressing critical urban challenges such as traffic optimization, energy distribution, and governance. Emerging technological paradigms seek to overcome these constraints by integrating quantum computing, quantum theory, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance urban intelligence and efficiency. One such paradigm is “Quantum AI Urbanism,” an interdisciplinary approach that leverages quantum principles such as superposition and entanglement to enable faster data processing, enhanced machine learning capabilities, and quantum-secure cryptography. By unlocking new computational potentials, this approach offers transformative possibilities for reimagining city infrastructure, governance, and citizen engagement. This article introduces the layered framework of quantum AI urbanism, outlining its core components, applications, and implications for city management. It highlights the transformative potential of quantum AI in reshaping urban infrastructure, governance, and citizen engagement while acknowledging the barriers that must be addressed for large-scale implementation. By establishing a foundational understanding of quantum AI urbanism, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the future of smart cities and provides insights into the pathways for integrating quantum computing and AI into urban systems.
The rapid accumulation of big data in the Internet era has gradually decelerated the progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As Moore's Law approaches its limit, it is imperative to break the constraints that are holding back artificial intelligence. Quantum computing and artificial intelligence have been advancing along the highway of human civilization for many years, emerging as new engines driving economic and social development. This article delves into the integration of quantum computing and artificial intelligence in both research and application. It introduces the capabilities of both universal quantum computers and special-purpose quantum computers that leverage quantum effects. The discussion further explores how quantum computing enhances classical artificial intelligence from four perspectives: quantum supervised learning, quantum unsupervised learning, quantum reinforcement learning, and quantum deep learning. In an effort to address the limitations of smart cities, this article explores the formidable potential of quantum artificial intelligence in the realm of smart cities. It does so by examining aspects such as intelligent transportation, urban operation assurance, urban planning, and information communication, showcasing a plethora of practical achievements in the process. In the foreseeable future, Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI) is poised to bring about revolutionary development to smart cities. The urgency lies in developing quantum artificial intelligence algorithms that are compatible with quantum computers, constructing an efficient, stable, and adaptive hybrid computing architecture that integrates quantum and classical computing, preparing quantum data as needed, and advancing controllable qubit hardware equipment to meet actual demands. The ultimate goal is to shape the next generation of artificial intelligence that possesses common sense cognitive abilities, robustness, excellent generalization capabilities, and interpretability.
Currently and in the near future, Smart Cities are vital to enhance urban living, address resource challenges, optimize infrastructure, and harness technology for sustainability, efficiency, and improved quality of life in rapidly urbanizing environments. Owing to the high usage of networks, sensors, and connected devices, Smart Cities generate a massive amount of data. Therefore, Smart City security concerns encompass data privacy, IoT vulnerabilities, cyber threats, and urban infrastructure risks, requiring robust solutions to safeguard digital assets, citizens, and critical services. Some solutions include robust cybersecurity measures, data encryption, AI-driven threat detection, public-private partnerships, standardized security protocols, and community engagement to foster a resilient and secure smart city ecosystem. For example, Security Information and Event Management helps in real-time monitoring, threat detection, and incident response by aggregating and analyzing security data. In this paper, we propose a Hybrid Quantum Architecture for bolstering Smart City security that exploits Quantum Machine Learning and SIEM to provide security based on Quantum Artificial Intelligence and patterns/rules. The validity of the architecture was proven by conducting experiments and a comparison of the QML algorithms with a state-of-the-art AI algorithms. We also provide a proof of concept dashboard for the proposed architecture.
Quantum Computing (QC), rooted in the principles of superposition and entanglement, enables transformative computational capabilities that surpass classical systems, particularly in solving NP-hard combinatorial optimization, simulation, and machine learning problems. These capabilities are increasingly vital for smart cities, which depend on real-time data from the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) to orchestrate complex urban systems such as traffic, energy, logistics, and public safety. As global urbanization accelerates, the demand for hyper-efficient, secure, and adaptive infrastructure exceeds the limits of classical computation. This study employs a multi-pronged methodology that combines literature synthesis, algorithmic mapping, and strategic roadmap design. This study investigates the strategic alignment between QC and the computational demands of next-generation urban environments, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia’s greenfield megaprojects, including NEOM, The Line, and the Red Sea Project, within the Saudi Vision 2030 framework. The analysis systematically maps urban computational challenges to applicable quantum algorithm families—Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE), and Quantum Machine Learning (QML)—and synthesizes the technical, organizational, financial, ethical, and regulatory prerequisites for national deployment. The core contribution is the development of a conceptual Hybrid Quantum-Classical Architecture (HQCA) and a methodologically grounded three-phase deployment roadmap, tailored to the Saudi context, mapping quantum technical readiness to policy and infrastructure milestones in Saudi Arabia. This framework positions Saudi Arabia to pioneer quantum-accelerated urban systems, enabling resilient infrastructure, sovereign digital capabilities, and global leadership in the emerging Quantum City paradigm.
In the era of digital transformation quantum technologies represent a new challenge for the society, industries, governmental sector. The benefits and consequences of the adoption of quantum technologies have yet to be fully explored. In this context the role these technologies will play in urban context is essential to explore. The present study examines the European Union’s quantum initiatives and its vision of the possible applications of quantum solutions. This study applies these considerations to the European urban context and explores it through the prism of public values created by the smart cities and smart city dimensions. The findings of this research highlight the socio-technical implications and transformative potential of quantum technologies on European smart urban environments and offer strategic insights for urban planners, policymakers, and city managers to prepare for the opportunities presented by quantum technologies.
Abstract. Quantum sensing technologies provide future cities with unimaginable techniques for solving their complex problems. Quantum sensors, through the utilization of quantum effects such as superposition, entanglement, and tunneling, can provide an unmatched level of sensitivity, precision, and durability against traditional sensing technologies. This study explores the potential applications of quantum sensing in four critical urban infrastructure domains: water, energy, transport, and construction. Throughout this study, we determine the most promising quantum sensing technologies for each domain. Besides, we discuss the technical progress of these sensors and the advantages they have in comparison with classical devices, as well as the organizational issues cities can face when implementing these sensors. Our results indicate that quantum sensing will be a critical enabler of future smart cities, generating advanced monitoring, control, and decision-making capabilities across various sectors. Nevertheless, taking advantage of this potential will demand the close partnership of cities, industry, academia, and policymakers to guide the complicated adoption process.