Artificial intelligence transforming the built environment

“Our machines should be nothing more than tools for extending the power of the human beings who use them.” This was one of varying views that came out of our recent event on the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the built environment. Here we provide a snapshot of some of the key messages to take away.

If human intelligence is defined as the ability to demonstrate plausible reasoning, intuition, common sense, beliefs and effective communication, then AI is the ability to simulate human behaviour and cognitive processes as well as the ability to comprehend large amounts of data at high speeds.

A smart city is a human-centric city; it puts humans at the heart of design. We should therefore implement artificial intelligence that works with humans, for example by designing artificially intelligent machines that can identify ‘unnecessary noise’ and prevent it from penetrating private dwellings or can detect that you have a busy day at work and make suggestions.

Data is certainly a great source. However, did someone buy their home in a certain area because its value would likely increase due to new restaurants opening and good schools nearby or was it because the area reminded them of places they had been to as a child?

Just some include large scale lay-offs from automation in many sectors including surveying, healthcare, education and transportation; increased health and safety for workers, pedestrians and vehicle drivers; a reduction in waiting lists for those needing medical treatments as more surgical operations are carried out by robots.