Global tech leaders gather in Seoul as AI reshapes urban life

The world's leading tech executives and urban planners converged upon Seoul for Smart Life Week 2026, a three-day conference centered on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into urban infrastructure and governance. The event, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, took place at the Coex convention center in Gangnam District from October 6-8.

With over 300 speakers, the summit expanded upon last year's gathering and featured delegations from cities like Tokyo, Naples, Manila, and Granada. Notable attendees included researchers from renowned institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge. The primary focus of this year's proceedings was the practical implementation of physical AI technologies, including quadrupeds, humanoid robots, and autonomous systems designed to operate within real-world city environments.

A significant highlight of the conference was the Mayors Forum, held on October 7. This gathering brought together city leaders to discuss the future of urban governance in the age of AI. The forum commenced with a keynote address from Vilas Dhar, the president of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, who emphasized the importance of building public trust in AI systems through transparent and accountable urban governance.