Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Smart Cities: A Systematic Study on Applications, Benefits, Challenges, and Solutions

Abstract

In an era marked by rapid urban growth and environmental challenges, the advent of “smart cities” holds promise for a sustainable future. Central to the operational efficiency of these cities is the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This Systematic Literature Review addresses the critical question: How can AI be used in sustainable smart cities? Using Kitchenham’s guidelines, the review followed a three-step Planning, Conducting, and Reporting process. Through a comprehensive search in the databases ACM, IEEEXplore, Scopus, Science Direct, and Emerald, a total of 46 high-quality papers were identified. These papers were scrutinized to understand the AI services utilized in smart cities, the benefits, the challenges of implementation, and potential solutions to these challenges. Findings reveal that AI’s impact is multi-dimensional, affecting transportation, energy management, and citizen engagement, among other areas. However, several challenges remain, considering ethics and data management. This review serves as an exhaustive guide for researchers and policymakers interested in leveraging AI for sustainable urban development.