A Review of Artificial Intelligence and IoT in Smart Cities: Current Technologies, Uses, and Future Trends

Abstract

The integration of AI with the Internet of Things (IoT) is paving the way for intelligent analysis, automated decision-making, and real-time data collection, which in turn is transforming the creation of smart cities.  This article looks at how the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) work together to make cities smarter, more flexible, and more sustainable.  It emphasizes critical enabling technologies like high-tech sensors, networking protocols (such 5G and LPWAN), and artificial intelligence methods (AI) like as ML, DL, and predictive analytics. Core applications, including intelligent transportation, smart energy systems, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and public safety are examined, illustrating AIoT’s impact on operational efficiency and citizen well-being. Furthermore, the paper discusses emerging trends such as 5G-Advanced, autonomous systems, AI-driven sustainability, and Digital Twins (DTs), outlining future research directions that promise to enhance resilience, scalability, and responsiveness in next-generation smart cities. The fusion of AI and IoT not only enhances service delivery and infrastructure management but also promotes data-driven governance and citizen engagement. This integration paves the way for more livable, secure, and environmentally conscious urban spaces.