Trends and Prospects of AI in Smart Cities

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into urban systems is transforming cities into dynamic, data-driven ecosystems. AI empowers smart cities to address critical challenges, such as urbanization, sustainability, and citizen well-being, by enabling intelligent decision-making, predictive analytics, and real-time optimization. This Special Issue focuses on exploring cutting-edge AI technologies, methodologies, and their applications in building smarter, more sustainable cities.

This topical collection encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary research, spanning theoretical advancements, practical applications, and case studies. Contributions should address the role of AI in urban planning, infrastructure management, transportation systems, environmental monitoring, public safety, citizen engagement, and more. By highlighting the interplay between AI, IoT, and data analytics, the collection aims to present a holistic view of how AI can shape resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• AI-driven urban planning and infrastructure optimization
• Intelligent transportation systems and autonomous mobility
• Data-driven environmental monitoring and climate adaptation
• AI-powered public safety and disaster management systems
• Ethical considerations and governance of AI in smart cities
• IoT integration and AI for seamless urban connectivity
• Human-centric AI for enhancing citizen engagement and quality of life

The primary purpose of this Special Issue is to foster a deeper understanding of the trends, challenges, and future directions in the application of AI to smart cities. By bringing together diverse perspectives from academia, industry, and government, this collection seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementations. It also aims to highlight interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts in advancing AI for urban innovation.

Relation to Existing Literature

While existing literature has explored individual aspects of smart cities and AI, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive and integrative perspective on how AI technologies can holistically address urban challenges. By emphasizing the synergy between AI and IoT, as well as the ethical and societal dimensions of AI deployment, the collection will supplement existing research by presenting innovative frameworks, methodologies, and case studies that illustrate practical solutions. Furthermore, it will contribute to the ongoing discourse on responsible AI development, ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values and priorities.

Dr. Yong-Bin Kang
Dr. Abhik Banerjee
Guest Editors

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