Researchers from MIT have examined the capabilities of visual AI for urban research, highlighting substantial applications in city planning and emission analysis. However, they also warn of risks involving surveillance, personal privacy, freedom, and algorithmic bias in deploying these technologies at scale.
These insights are discussed in the book 'How AI Sees the City,' authored by MIT Senseable City Lab scientists. The book addresses both the promise and pitfalls of visual AI systems for urban environments, underscoring their significant impact on how cities are understood and managed.