This municipal operating system functions similarly to computer or smartphone operating systems but is optimised for the so-called "smartification" of urban infrastructure, ranging from traffic management and waste disposal to energy supply and public safety. According to the company, the "digital town hall" is highly scalable – meeting the needs of cities, districts, and municipalities, from small towns to mid-sized cities and even large metropolitan areas.

Similar to modern smartphone operating systems like IOS for the Iphone, Urban OS is equipped with an app store. Municipal utilities and private companies can offer their services in the Urban OS app store, allowing service providers to access them for a fee.

Urbancockpit: A glimpse into the future

The new municipal operating system is based on a multi-layered model: sensors, municipal data space, artificial intelligence (AI), data-driven decision-making, and optimised services for both citizens and local governments. Dr. Daniel Trauth, founder and CEO of Datamatters GmbH, explained the principle: "A wide range of sensors captures what's happening in the city. This information is transferred to a municipal data space, where it is processed using AI. The results are displayed in an Urbancockpit, allowing decision-makers to gain a real-time overview of what's actually happening in their city, similar to a pilot steering an aircraft."

According to the company, the key features is that the AI even "looks into the future", so the Urbancockpit not only displays the current situation but also provides a detailed forecast of future conditions. "This gives municipalities an unprecedented factual basis for urban decision-making," said Dr. Daniel Trauth, highlighting a major advantage of the new operating system for smart cities. He gives an example: "Cameras in buses and trains can precisely capture how many seats and standing spots are occupied at different times on various lines. Based on this data, the AI can generate recommendations to optimise public transportation, factoring in events like festivals, football games, or cultural events. The result is greater public transportation acceptance among citizens, more targeted staffing, and reductions in costs and environmental impact."

From detectors to actuators

According to Datamatters, Urban OS is also prepared for the next generation of so-called actuators. While sensors collect data, actuators are devices that trigger actions, such as controlling traffic lights, managing digital displays, operating irrigation systems, or overseeing parking guidance systems.

The "next generation" refers to innovative AI robots that are expected to be available in the coming years and could be used in municipalities as gardeners, cleaning staff, assistants for public services, or for security tasks.

"What may sound like science fiction today will become everyday reality in a few years," Dr. Daniel Trauth predicts. To help influence this development, he has taken on the position of Co-Chairman at the "Real World AI Forum" at the global think tank Diplomatic Council, which holds UN Consultative Status. In this role, he is part of the United Nations' closest advisory circle.