TLDR: The third BRICS Urban Future Forum, held in Moscow on September 17-18, 2025, brought together over 13,000 experts from 42 countries to discuss the integration of robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of megacities. Key discussions focused on technological frameworks for urban transformation, the impact of AI on labor and digital platforms, and fostering international cooperation for sustainable urban development.
Moscow recently hosted the third edition of the BRICS Urban Future Forum on September 17-18, 2025, gathering over 13,000 participants from 42 countries to delve into the transformative potential of robotization and artificial intelligence in urban development. The forum, themed “The Technological Framework of the City,” emphasized robotics, automation, and AI as pivotal drivers for economic and social change in megacities through 2040.
Discussions at the two-day event explored how these advanced technologies are redefining production, labor, and social systems globally. Experts examined their expanding role in managing urban services and their influence on shaping the cities of tomorrow.
Prominent global thought leaders shared their insights. Dr. Kate Barker, Chief Futurist of NEOM and an advisor to the UAE government and Fortune 500 companies, presented her vision for cities where robots, artificial intelligence, and platform economies are seamlessly integrated into daily life. She drew parallels between futuristic projects like NEOM and the challenges faced by contemporary megacities adapting to hybrid environments featuring robots, air taxis, and virtual services.
Economist Yanis Varoufakis also addressed the forum, introducing the concept of “techno-feudalism.” He discussed how machine learning algorithms are reshaping digital platforms, enabling owners to extract “cloud rent” from data usage, thereby creating “tech overlords” and turning users into “cloud serfs.”
The forum itself showcased advanced AI and robotics, with the humanoid robot Ardi sharing its perspective on a reality where AI and robots are integral to urban infrastructure. Another robot, Avatar, served as the virtual moderator for the forum’s business program, with its emotions and speech transmitted in real-time from a human operator.
A significant highlight was the BRICS Urban Innovation Award ceremony, recognizing leaders in innovation from BRICS cities who have made substantial contributions to sustainable development goals through innovative solutions. Categories included smart cities, climate initiatives, digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
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The forum’s overarching aim was to translate discussions into concrete international cooperation, fostering dialogue among political and business decision-makers to identify growth areas and create synergies across BRICS cities, organizations, and companies. The event was held at Zaryadye Park in Moscow, a cutting-edge architectural marvel that provided a fitting backdrop for the forward-thinking discussions.
