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Cities around the world are embracing digital transformation as accessibility becomes more than just a regulatory requirement but a critical driver of economic growth, operational efficiency, and resident satisfaction. Cities that prioritize accessibility are creating better places for their citizens and visitors, and those that lead in the space, like the EU’s Digital Europe program, are demonstrating how inclusivity and innovation go hand in hand. By using digital twin technology, cities can simulate, plan, and optimize environments to accommodate everyone—removing many of the physical and mental barriers that prevent full participation in urban life.
In this article, we share three examples of how digital twins can create more inclusive experiences, and how these efforts can translate into increased ROI.
Cities around the world are embracing digital transformation as accessibility becomes more than just a regulatory requirement but a critical driver of economic growth, operational efficiency, and resident satisfaction. Cities that prioritize accessibility are creating better places for their citizens and visitors, and those that lead in the space, like the EU’s Digital Europe program, are demonstrating how inclusivity and innovation go hand in hand. By using digital twin technology, cities can simulate, plan, and optimize environments to accommodate everyone—removing many of the physical and mental barriers that prevent full participation in urban life.
In this article, we share three examples of how digital twins can create more inclusive experiences, and how these efforts can translate into increased ROI.
Key takeaways
- Smart cities that prioritize accessibility create better environments for residents and visitors, fostering economic growth, operational efficiency, and community engagement.
- By simulating public spaces, digital twins help cities address accessibility challenges proactively, while also allowing users to interact with city systems directly through tools like AI avatars and virtual tours.
How smart cities can increase accessibility for everyone
Digital twin technology plays a crucial role in increasing accessibility. By creating virtual replicas of physical city systems, cities can simulate and optimize real-world scenarios like public transit accessibility, building entry points, or pedestrian routes—before making any physical changes. But digital twins also go beyond urban planning by allowing people to interact with city systems directly. For example, Younite is working with Gothenburg to develop a virtual twin of the city. This digital twin, enhanced with AI avatars, allows residents and visitors to plan their visits, explore locations, and navigate the city through their smart devices. By giving users the tools to familiarize themselves with public spaces in advance, the project removes many of the barriers—both physical and mental—that prevent those with disabilities from full participation in city life.
Three examples of how digital twins can increase accessibility
- AI-guided navigation for public transit users
Digital twins with AI-powered avatars can provide real-time guidance, helping residents and visitors navigate public transit systems efficiently. For example, a person with visual impairments can use an avatar on their smartphone to receive step-by-step audio directions, track bus arrivals, or find accessible train platforms. This can foster smoother and more independent travel while also increasing public transit usage. In turn, cities benefit from increased fare revenue and a reduced need for specialized transport services, driving both social inclusion and economic growth.
- Dementia-friendly solutions for the elderly
Digital twins make cities more dementia-friendly by offering personalized support through AI-powered avatars, a critical benefit as the elderly—who account for over 12% of the global population—continue to grow in number.
Digital twins can play a crucial role in supporting dementia-friendly environments—an increasingly important priority for cities like Fukuoka, Japan. With one in five people aged 65 or older expected to suffer from dementia by 2025, Fukuoka is leading efforts to become a dementia-friendly city. Through initiatives like infrastructure design, specialized programs, and Humanitude training seminars, the city aims to ensure residents with cognitive decline can live independently and with peace of mind in their communities.
Now, imagine how digital twin technologies and AI avatars could enhance these efforts. For instance, someone with mild dementia might get real-time prompts to guide them home or reminders about their next bus stop, helping them maintain independence and engage more with their communities. By fostering participation and well-being among the elderly, cities can increase public service use, contributing to economic growth.
- Virtual planning for stress-free visits
Digital twins enable users to explore public spaces remotely through virtual tours, helping them plan visits with ease. For example, families with children on the autism spectrum—now affecting 1 in 36 children in the U.S., up from 1 in 44—can preview museums, parks, or transportation hubs to identify sensory-friendly areas, quiet routes, and nearby amenities. This proactive approach makes public spaces more inclusive, reducing stress and encouraging participation. Higher visitor satisfaction leads to increased tourism and repeat visits, driving revenue for local businesses and public services alike.
Begin your smart city transformation with accessible solutions from Younite
Smart cities are reshaping urban environments by leveraging digital twins to enhance accessibility, foster inclusion, and unlock long-term value. These virtual models enable cities to continuously optimize public spaces and adapt to diverse user needs, providing a scalable investment that grows and evolves alongside the city’s development.
If your city is ready to create accessible spaces for everyone using digital twin technology, Younite is here to support you at every step.