The second pillar, connecting cities with the virtual and real worlds, focuses on the operational aspects of the CitiVerse such as the integration of emerging technologies, key use cases and best practices and providing the environment, tools and events for city experimentation.
Pillar 2 on Connecting Cities with the Virtual and Real Worlds consists of 5 tracks:
- Track 7 – Emerging Technologies
- Track 8 – Use-case Identification
- Track 9 – Sandbox Experiment Facility
- Track 10 – Virtual Worlds Toolkit
- Track 11 – Annual Training
Track 7
Emerging Technologies
This track aims to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies, such as AR, VR, digital twins and AI within the context of virtual worlds. It focuses on their application and adoption in cities, aiming to uncover innovative solutions for cities. By staying current on technological developments, this track serves as a dynamic resource for providing current insights into the technologies propelling the evolution of virtual worlds including CitiVerse. Moreover, it serves as a platform to highlight both the challenges and opportunities intrinsic to these technologies as they intersect with the expanding realm of the virtual worlds.
Track 8
Use-case Identification
This track focuses on the collection and curation of new use cases pertaining to virtual worlds, including the adoption of digital technologies, such as AI, VR, AR, digital twin in cities. The track highlights the expected opportunities, risks, and maturity/horizon associated with the use cases identified.
Track 9
Sandbox Experiment Facility
This track creates a sandbox environment. This controlled space will facilitate the testing and selection of secure, interoperable, and innovative technologies related to virtual worlds in the urban context. By providing a safe space for experimentation, the sandbox expedites the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in real-world urban settings.
There are 2 phases in this track: Phase I – Sandbox Experiment Facility Concept Formulation and Phase II – Sandbox Experiment Facility Implementation Track.
Track 10
Virtual Worlds Toolkit
This Toolkit comprises a set of living digital resources and tools on virtual worlds with a particular focus on the CitiVerse to revolutionize and enhance our global understanding of this concept. It empowers urban leaders to design dynamic CitiVerses, offering experiential learning experiences, and opportunities for collaboration.
Track 11
Annual Training
A special annual training is expected to be delivered during the Annual Assembly to invited representatives from cities and governments. This training shall encompass the main elements of the evolving CitiVerse landscape along with featuring real-life examples from around the world.