The idea of smart cities used to feel like something out of a science fiction movie. But today, cities around the world are getting smarter, faster, and more connected, thanks to the power of IoT (Internet of Things), AI, big data, and real-time analytics. This shift is not just exciting—it’s massive. The numbers tell a powerful story.
1. The global smart city market is projected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2030
This number isn’t just big—it’s massive. A $2.5 trillion market means smart cities aren’t a trend; they’re a global shift.
Governments, tech firms, real estate developers, energy companies, and startups all want a piece of this pie.
For entrepreneurs, this is your signal to start thinking about how your products or services can plug into the smart city ecosystem.
That could mean building apps for city transportation, offering solutions for smart waste collection, or designing user-friendly platforms for local governments.
If you’re a policymaker, this number is your wake-up call. Your city can’t afford to be left behind. Start small if you need to—upgrade traffic lights, introduce smart parking, or test water monitoring systems. The goal is to show early results, gain public trust, and then scale.
For investors, look at companies in energy efficiency, mobility, or urban IoT.
Pay attention to regions actively investing in smart infrastructure—these are your gold mines.
2. Over 70% of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050
Urban growth is unstoppable. More people in cities means more pressure on infrastructure, transport, water, housing, and public safety.
This stat tells us that the race to make cities smarter isn’t optional—it’s urgent.
The takeaway here? If you’re in tech, now is the time to focus on urban solutions. Whether it’s better internet access, app-based governance tools, or smart lighting, there’s a rising demand.
City planners and architects should be designing with scalability in mind.
As populations rise, flexibility becomes key. Modular housing, adaptable transport systems, and flexible zoning will make cities more resilient.
Startups and businesses can thrive by solving real problems that arise from dense populations—things like last-mile delivery, waste overflow, or high electricity consumption.
The more specific your solution, the more valuable it becomes.
3. The number of connected IoT devices in smart cities will exceed 50 billion by 2030
Fifty billion devices—that’s not a typo. Everything from streetlights to garbage bins, buses, bridges, parking meters, and even sidewalks will have sensors, data, and connectivity.
So, what should you do about it? If you’re a developer or engineer, think about the layers behind these devices: connectivity, power management, data privacy, and integration.
Creating seamless systems where all these devices “talk” to each other is a major opportunity.
If you’re in cybersecurity, you’re looking at one of the fastest-growing problem areas. Every connected device is a potential point of attack. Offering lightweight, scalable security solutions could become your competitive edge.
And for businesses? Think of IoT not as a tech trend, but as an enabler. Can your business improve by being smarter—more data-driven, faster, more responsive?
Whether it’s a building that tracks energy use or a warehouse that knows when to reorder, IoT is the nervous system of the smart city.
4. Smart infrastructure spending will grow at a CAGR of 20% from 2023 to 2030
Twenty percent compound growth per year is nothing to sneeze at. It signals a sustained commitment to improving how cities function—from bridges and roads to water systems and public transit.
This is your green light if you’re in construction, engineering, or materials.
Governments and private investors alike are hungry for smart solutions—think self-healing concrete, intelligent traffic systems, and sensor-rich bridges that can detect structural issues before they become dangerous.
Companies offering building information modeling (BIM), digital twin platforms, and predictive maintenance tools are set to thrive.
These technologies make large-scale infrastructure projects more efficient, less risky, and easier to manage over the long term.
If you’re a city leader, make sure your procurement policies support innovation. Partner with local startups, open up pilot projects, and encourage flexible public-private collaborations.
The ROI isn’t just financial—it’s social, environmental, and political too.
5. By 2027, over 500 cities globally will have implemented comprehensive smart city strategies
That’s over 500 cities, each with its own roadmap to becoming smarter. It shows how widespread this transformation is—and how different cities are in their approaches.
If you’re a startup or service provider, this is your chance to tailor solutions to specific city needs.
No two smart cities are the same. Some focus on sustainability, others on transport, others on public safety or digital governance.
This stat also underscores the value of localization. If you want to break into the smart city space, you need to understand how cities think. Who are the decision-makers?
What are their pain points? What are the budget cycles like?
For consultants and strategists, these cities will need guidance. There’s room for playbooks, workshops, assessment tools, and policy frameworks.
Helping a city build and execute its strategy could be a business in itself.
6. Smart transportation market is expected to surpass $285 billion by 2030
Smart transportation is no longer about just putting sensors in buses.
It’s about creating a seamless, multimodal experience—ride shares, electric scooters, buses, subways, bike lanes, and even drone deliveries—all connected through apps and powered by real-time data.
For tech developers, this is your sandbox. Build platforms that help users plan the fastest, cheapest, or greenest routes. Design software that cities can use to adjust traffic signals in real time.
Work on AI that predicts traffic before it happens.
If you’re in automotive or mobility services, think partnerships. Collaborate with municipalities or fellow companies to create smarter, more affordable systems. Shared mobility and electrification are key trends here.
Governments should use this growth to rethink transportation policy. Smart systems can reduce congestion, cut emissions, and even improve health outcomes.
Start by investing in data collection—what you can measure, you can manage.
7. Smart energy solutions in cities will account for over $150 billion in spending by 2030
Energy is the backbone of any city. And in smart cities, it has to be intelligent, clean, and efficient.
With $150 billion in spending projected, there’s clearly a massive push for better energy management—especially in buildings, grids, and public lighting.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re in the energy space, this is the time to pivot toward digital. Smart meters, AI-based consumption forecasts, automated billing systems, and solar integration platforms are all in demand.
For real estate developers and building owners, the path forward is clear: invest in energy-efficient buildings.
That includes smart HVAC systems, lighting sensors, and integration with the broader grid.
Cities themselves should focus on creating energy visibility. Start with smart street lighting—LED systems that dim or brighten based on activity levels. Add energy dashboards for public buildings.
These small changes add up to massive savings.
The main takeaway? Don’t just think about how energy is generated. Think about how it’s distributed, used, and managed. The companies that offer the best tools to manage energy efficiently will win the future.
8. IoT in smart cities will generate over 80 zettabytes of data annually by 2030
That’s 80 zettabytes—80 trillion gigabytes of data—flowing through city systems every year. It’s a data tsunami, and it can either drown cities or help them thrive.
If you’re a data scientist, urban planner, or software developer, this is your moment.
Data is the key to everything in a smart city: from managing traffic to forecasting pollution, from catching leaks to tracking crime patterns.
The big opportunity lies in turning raw data into useful action. That’s where AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics step in. Cities don’t just need to store data; they need to act on it in real time.
Businesses can also leverage this data. Real-time foot traffic trends, utility usage stats, even air quality data can power better business decisions. Retailers, logistics firms, and service providers all benefit from smarter insights.
And don’t forget about data governance. Cities need strong frameworks to manage privacy, access, and ethics. If you can help with that, you’re offering serious value.
9. 60% of smart city IoT spending is driven by Asia-Pacific markets
Asia-Pacific is leading the global smart city revolution. From Singapore’s seamless transit system to China’s AI-powered surveillance infrastructure, this region is setting the pace—and grabbing the majority of IoT investment.
For companies and startups outside of Asia, this is a chance to learn and adapt. Look at what’s working in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Shenzhen.
Use their success as a model, then tailor it to your own local markets.
If you’re already in the Asia-Pacific region, you’re sitting on a goldmine. But it’s competitive. You need to move fast, innovate constantly, and localize aggressively.
Governments in other regions should take note. If you’re behind, it’s time to catch up. Create favorable policies for innovation, offer pilot zones for smart technology, and incentivize local partnerships.
And for investors? Follow the money. The Asia-Pacific region isn’t just growing—it’s exploding. The next unicorns in smart city tech will likely have APAC roots.
10. Smart healthcare systems in urban environments are projected to grow by 25% annually through 2028
Healthcare is one of the biggest challenges cities face, especially as populations grow and age. A 25% annual growth rate shows just how serious cities are about transforming care delivery.
So what does a smart healthcare system look like? It includes remote diagnostics, AI triage bots, telehealth platforms, wearable health monitors, and even IoT-connected ambulances.
If you’re in health tech, this is the sector to double down on.
Look at pain points like ER overcrowding, prescription tracking, or elderly care. Can your product make things faster, safer, or cheaper?
City officials should be focusing on digital health inclusion. Make sure residents—especially low-income or elderly citizens—have access to telehealth.
That might mean partnerships with local clinics or offering public Wi-Fi zones for consultations.
For hospitals and clinics, smart systems can help with patient flow, equipment maintenance, and energy use. Even something as simple as tracking beds in real time can save lives.
The goal? A healthier city that doesn’t overwhelm its healthcare system.
11. Over 70% of public lighting in developed countries will be smart-enabled by 2030
Smart lighting isn’t just about saving electricity. It’s about safety, mood, and energy efficiency.
Lights that dim when no one is around, brighten when motion is detected, and report outages in real time are now standard in many smart city projects.
If you’re in electrical engineering or municipal planning, make smart lighting part of your core strategy. It’s a fast way to reduce energy bills and increase safety, especially in parks and less-traveled areas.
Companies in this space should think beyond bulbs. Think about software interfaces, remote controls, integration with emergency systems, or even lighting that responds to environmental conditions.
Public officials should note that smart lighting has one of the fastest ROIs of any smart city investment.
You’ll often see results within months—lower bills, fewer complaints, and happier residents.
Smart lighting also opens doors to other innovations.
Once you have the infrastructure in place, you can add sensors for air quality, cameras for traffic monitoring, or even speakers for public announcements.
12. The smart waste management market will reach $6 billion by 2028
Trash might not be glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest places to invest. Smart bins can tell collectors when they’re full. Route optimization software can help reduce miles traveled.
Data from waste sensors can track recycling behavior.
For startups and tech providers, there’s plenty of opportunity. Build compact sensors for bins, create predictive pickup scheduling tools, or design cleaner routes using AI.
Cities can start small. Pilot smart bins in busy areas, test route optimization in one neighborhood, and monitor results. This is one of those areas where tech almost immediately cuts costs.
If you’re in logistics, waste is another form of movement. The same tools that optimize delivery fleets can be applied to garbage trucks.
Residents also benefit. Cleaner streets, fewer missed pickups, and better recycling education can all stem from smarter systems.
The key here? Don’t treat waste as waste. Treat it as data.
13. Smart water management systems are forecast to grow at 12% CAGR through 2030
Water is one of the most precious urban resources, and smart management is all about making sure not a drop is wasted.
From leak detection to usage monitoring and predictive maintenance, there are many ways cities are upgrading water systems.
If you’re in civil engineering or plumbing tech, the future is digital. Develop tools that can detect pressure changes, identify leaks, and report real-time usage by household or building.
Governments can pilot smart meters in drought-prone areas or neighborhoods with aging infrastructure. The benefits go beyond saving water—they include lower repair costs, faster emergency response, and happier residents.
Real estate developers should also consider smart water solutions in new builds. They not only save money in the long run but also make buildings more appealing to eco-conscious tenants.
And for entrepreneurs, the water problem isn’t solved. There’s room for innovation—especially in water reuse, smart irrigation, and graywater systems.
14. Cities using smart traffic systems report up to 30% reduction in congestion
Traffic is a universal pain point, but smart cities are proving that real-time traffic systems can make a real difference.
A 30% drop in congestion isn’t just about faster commutes—it’s about cleaner air, lower fuel costs, and better mental health.
Smart traffic systems use data from cameras, sensors, GPS, and even driver apps to monitor traffic flow and adjust in real time. Signals adapt based on the number of vehicles.
Detours are suggested before traffic even builds up.
If you’re a developer, look into tools that analyze traffic patterns and provide cities with visual dashboards. For those in the automotive industry, integration with city systems is the next frontier—especially for autonomous vehicles.
Governments can start small. Pick a few busy intersections. Install sensors, connect them to adaptive lights, and track the difference. The ROI is usually quick, and the public support is huge.
For citizens, it means fewer hours in traffic and less stress. For cities, it’s about sustainability and livability. Smarter streets literally change the way a city feels.
15. Smart parking systems are expected to reach $11 billion market value by 2030
Finding a parking spot in a crowded city is frustrating—and expensive. Smart parking helps solve this by using sensors, apps, and cameras to show drivers where open spots are in real time.
It’s a simple idea with massive upside. Less circling the block means less traffic and lower emissions. Drivers get where they’re going faster. Cities make better use of space.
If you’re in app development or urban tech, consider building or improving parking solutions.
Can you use AI to predict spot availability? Can you integrate payment and navigation in one smooth experience?
Municipalities can test smart parking in business districts or near stadiums and schools. Use the data to adjust pricing, predict peak hours, or offer discounts during low-traffic times.
Retailers near smart parking areas often see an uptick in business. People are more likely to stop if parking is easy. So, there’s room for public-private partnerships too.
Parking doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right tech, it becomes a strategic asset.
16. AI-based surveillance in smart cities will grow by 23% CAGR through 2029
Security is one of the first things people think of when they hear “smart city.” And AI-powered surveillance is rapidly becoming the go-to tool for real-time monitoring and faster emergency response.
We’re talking about systems that can identify suspicious activity, track people or vehicles, and even detect weapons or fires automatically.
AI makes this possible at scale, without the need for constant human monitoring.
If you’re working with AI or video analytics, this is a prime area to focus on. Think beyond just cameras—what can your platform recognize, predict, or alert to before it becomes a crisis?
Governments should ensure any surveillance projects include privacy safeguards and transparency. Facial recognition, for example, should come with strong regulation and public consent.
For businesses, consider how AI surveillance can protect private property or help manage large spaces like campuses, malls, and venues. It’s not just about crime—it’s also about safety and crowd control.
The future of urban safety lies in systems that are fast, smart, and responsible.
17. 90% of smart cities will incorporate digital twin technology by 2035
A digital twin is a virtual copy of a city—its buildings, roads, traffic, even air quality—all updated in real time. It’s like SimCity, but real, and cities are loving it.
Why? Because it helps them see the full picture. With a digital twin, planners can test changes before making them, track maintenance needs, or simulate emergency scenarios without risk.
If you’re in 3D modeling, data analytics, or cloud computing, digital twin projects are a perfect fit. They require everything from sensors and visualization to predictive tools and AI.
Cities can start with one building or district. Map it out digitally, add sensor feeds, and use it to monitor performance. Over time, scale to cover more.
For engineers and architects, digital twins let you build smarter. You can see how designs perform in real-world conditions before breaking ground.
It’s a planning tool. A maintenance tool. And soon, it’ll be as common as a traffic camera.
18. Cybersecurity spending in smart cities will exceed $35 billion by 2030
Smart cities are only as strong as their weakest data point. With millions of sensors and connected systems, the risk of cyberattacks grows fast—and cities know it.
That’s why cybersecurity spending is rising sharply. Everything from traffic systems to water plants and emergency response needs digital protection.
If you’re in cybersecurity, smart cities are a top growth market. Think firewalls for IoT, encrypted communication for city systems, and continuous vulnerability scanning tools.
Cities must move beyond basic protections. Create centralized control centers, conduct regular threat assessments, and train public employees on digital hygiene.
Private companies should build with security baked in—not added later. Every app, every sensor, every API needs protection.
And citizens? They need trust. Cybersecurity isn’t just technical. It’s personal. When people know their data is safe, they engage more with smart city tools.
19. Over 50% of new buildings in urban areas will be IoT-integrated by 2030
The buildings of the future are here. From elevators that call themselves to lighting that adjusts with daylight, IoT is transforming how buildings operate and feel.
For real estate developers and architects, this means building smart from day one.
Use connected systems for energy, air quality, lighting, and security. Make sure your structures can “talk” to city-wide networks.
If you’re a product designer, create devices that fit seamlessly into smart buildings. Thermostats, locks, water systems, all with remote control and data insights.
Facility managers benefit too. IoT systems help track maintenance needs, detect faults early, and improve tenant satisfaction.
The more integrated your building is, the more future-proof it becomes. And as more tenants expect smart features, it’s no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
20. Smart city platforms (software) market will exceed $300 billion by 2032
Smart cities don’t run on hardware alone. They need brains—and that’s what software platforms provide. These platforms manage data, run simulations, analyze inputs, and provide dashboards for decision-making.
If you’re a software engineer or product manager, smart city platforms are your playground. Whether it’s mobility, energy, waste, or safety, every vertical needs its own digital interface.
Cities can start by selecting flexible, modular platforms. Avoid locking into one vendor. Instead, choose systems that integrate easily and scale with your needs.
Entrepreneurs can create niche platforms. Maybe a traffic-focused system for mid-sized cities. Or a water tracking dashboard for desert regions.
Software is the command center of every smart city. And as complexity grows, the demand for clean, usable, and integrated platforms will explode.
21. 80% of city infrastructure projects will require real-time data analytics by 2030
Cities are becoming too complex to run on old-school spreadsheets and reactive decisions.
Real-time data analytics isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a necessity. By 2030, most infrastructure projects won’t even get greenlit without a strong data strategy.
Think about it: roads that track wear and tear, bridges that monitor vibrations, and transit systems that predict breakdowns before they happen. This kind of insight only happens through real-time analytics.
If you’re in data engineering or business intelligence, this is your lane. Build dashboards, create alerts, visualize trends—anything that helps city managers make faster, smarter calls.
Governments should mandate data components in all new infrastructure RFPs. That means sensors from day one, cloud storage capacity, and platforms that can analyze performance at every level.
For businesses working with cities, this stat signals the future. Every proposal should come with an analytics layer. Offer more than hardware—offer insight.
And if you’re a student or early-stage entrepreneur, learn tools like Power BI, Tableau, and Python. Data fluency will be your strongest asset in the smart city boom.
22. 5G will support over 75% of smart city IoT connectivity by 2027
Speed matters. And when you’re trying to connect millions of sensors and devices across a city, 5G is the only option that scales fast, wide, and reliably. With 75% of smart city IoT devices depending on 5G soon, it’s the new backbone.
For telecom companies, this is your biggest growth sector. Think small cell towers, edge computing, and partnerships with local governments to speed up deployment.
If you’re a developer, start building for low latency. 5G unlocks real-time features—instant feedback in parking systems, video analytics on moving buses, and autonomous drones for deliveries.
Cities need to prepare their infrastructure to host 5G—rooftops, light poles, even public transit can host small cells. It’s not just about tech—it’s about access and equity too.
Investors, keep your eyes on companies offering tools and platforms optimized for 5G performance. That could be the next big breakout opportunity.
23. Smart grid investments are projected to hit $400 billion globally by 2030
Electricity needs to be smarter. Smart grids help cities monitor power use, prevent blackouts, integrate renewables, and even allow consumers to sell energy back to the grid. This $400 billion investment isn’t about lights—it’s about control.
For utility companies, the shift is clear: move from static grids to dynamic ones. Start with smart meters, add load balancing software, and gradually digitize the full chain.
Tech firms have huge opportunities here. Build platforms that monitor grid health, optimize loads, or detect faults automatically. Focus on security, scalability, and ease of integration.
Governments should support microgrids and encourage distributed energy resources (DERs). This makes grids more resilient, especially in disaster-prone regions.
And homeowners? Expect to play a bigger role. With solar panels, smart batteries, and connected meters, your home becomes part of the citywide energy network.
24. Urban air quality monitoring systems will see 18% annual growth through 2030
Clean air is becoming a top priority as cities grow denser and climate challenges increase. Smart cities are responding with real-time air quality sensors that track pollution levels street by street.
These systems don’t just inform—they guide action. Cities can adjust traffic flows, restrict heavy vehicles, or issue public health alerts based on data from these sensors.
If you’re in environmental tech or hardware manufacturing, this is a growing niche. Focus on making sensors smaller, cheaper, and more accurate. Integration with mobile apps is a bonus.
Cities should start by monitoring areas near schools, highways, and industrial zones. Share the data publicly—it builds trust and encourages behavior change.
For developers, consider APIs that allow businesses and schools to integrate local air quality into their apps or alerts.
And for startups, think about cross-functionality. Air quality sensors that also detect noise or temperature provide more value per device.
25. Smart governance and e-services adoption will reach 90% in major cities by 2030
Government services are going digital—fast. From renewing licenses to paying taxes, city residents expect the same ease they get from online shopping. By 2030, most major cities will have adopted digital-first governance.
This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about efficiency, transparency, and citizen satisfaction.
If you’re a UX designer or full-stack developer, city portals and e-governance tools need your help. Build systems that are simple, mobile-friendly, and multilingual.
For city officials, start with the basics—online payments, digital IDs, and permit applications. Then move toward advanced tools like AI chatbots for citizen support or automated complaint resolution systems.
Security and accessibility are key. Older populations or underserved communities should never be left out. Offer training, kiosks, or help centers as bridges to adoption.
The goal is a city government that works 24/7, not just 9 to 5.
26. Energy savings from smart buildings could reduce urban emissions by 30% by 2040
Buildings are among the biggest energy hogs in cities. But smart systems—HVAC controls, occupancy sensors, and energy tracking—can cut waste dramatically. A 30% emission drop isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for the bottom line.
For architects and real estate developers, smart design is no longer optional. Build with automation in mind. Think passive solar, insulated glass, and materials that “breathe.”
Facility managers should invest in retrofitting older buildings. Start with smart thermostats, motion-sensing lights, and real-time energy dashboards. These changes pay for themselves quickly.
Governments can offer tax breaks or low-interest loans to encourage upgrades. Consider policies that require smart systems in public buildings.
And for tech companies? The real win is in platforms that manage whole building portfolios—tracking usage, benchmarking efficiency, and recommending improvements.
27. IoT-driven public safety technologies will account for $35 billion in spending by 2030
Public safety is being reinvented. Smart sensors detect gunshots. AI scans social media for threats. Drones assess dangerous areas before sending in responders. IoT is making cities safer and faster to respond.
If you’re in public safety tech, think integration. Can your tools connect to emergency services, city platforms, or neighborhood networks? Make them fast, flexible, and easy to deploy.
Governments should prioritize funding for tools that reduce emergency response times. Smart fire hydrants, AI crime prediction, and connected alarm systems all make a measurable impact.
Residents also benefit from transparency. Apps that show crime trends, alert neighborhoods, or allow anonymous reporting create stronger communities.
The future of safety isn’t just more officers—it’s more information.
28. Smart city projects in India alone are estimated to exceed $100 billion by 2030
India is rapidly urbanizing, and the government’s Smart Cities Mission has sparked massive investment in transport, energy, water, and digital infrastructure. $100 billion is just the beginning.
For companies, this is a huge opportunity. Focus on affordable, scalable solutions—India’s cities range from massive metros to small municipalities.
If you’re a global startup, find local partners. Localization is key: language, pricing, support, and infrastructure vary widely.
Government agencies and public bodies in India should push for transparency, community involvement, and scalable pilot programs. Smart cities succeed when residents are engaged.
Investors should pay attention to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. They offer less competition, faster decision cycles, and high potential for growth.
India’s smart city wave is a once-in-a-generation chance to shape urban development from the ground up.
29. Urban mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) is projected to grow to $500 billion by 2030
Mobility-as-a-service means you don’t own transportation—you access it. Buses, scooters, car shares, trains—all bundled into one app, one price, one smooth experience.
This $500 billion space is booming because it solves real problems. Fewer cars on the road, lower costs, and smarter travel choices.
If you’re in app development or transportation tech, MaaS is a gold mine. Build platforms that handle booking, payment, and planning in one.
Cities should stop thinking in silos. MaaS works best when transport options are integrated. Create unified systems and shared databases.
For transit providers, consider partnerships with rideshare and micro-mobility companies. Shared success equals better service and bigger markets.
The future of travel in cities isn’t about owning—it’s about accessing.
30. Digital payment and smart finance systems in cities will grow at a CAGR of 22% through 2028
Cash is fading fast in smart cities. Whether it’s paying for parking, transit, energy, or taxes, digital payments are becoming the norm. And it’s not just about credit cards—mobile wallets, QR codes, and contactless systems are everywhere.
A 22% growth rate shows that cities are embracing fintech as part of their infrastructure.
If you’re in fintech or payments, tailor your solutions for civic needs. Low fees, strong security, and seamless UX are essential.
Cities should unify their payment platforms. Make it easy for residents to handle everything—licenses, bills, transit—in one place.
For entrepreneurs, there’s room to innovate in microtransactions, peer-to-peer payments for services, or digital identity linked to payment profiles.
Payments are the oil that keep smart cities running smoothly. The easier you make them, the more people engage with city services.
wrapping it up
The future of smart cities isn’t some far-off dream—it’s happening right now, all around us. From smart grids powering our homes to intelligent traffic systems easing our daily commutes, these innovations are transforming how we live, work, and interact with the world.
