91Ö±²¥

Bei Chen is a PhD student in Urban Studies and Planning. Her research programme focuses on the socio-political dimensions of China’s AI and robotic policy visions and implementation in urban contexts. Prior to her PhD study, Bei was a journalist working in China for more than a decade. She was awarded a MA (with distinction) in Digital Media and Society in the University of 91Ö±²¥ in 2018.

Bei’s thesis, "Production of urban AI and robotics: imaginaries and realities for AI experimentation in Shanghai", is aimed to deepen understanding the meaning of urban AI and robotics (UAIRs), and explore how the emerging modes of producing UAIRs may significantly shape the future trajectory of cities’ development. Grounding in the political-economic context of Shanghai, the thesis interrogates why and how some specific UAIRs-applied artefacts are selectively trialled in urban functioning, whereby exploring the long-term material and immaterial impacts of UAIRs experimental practices acting on the urban fabrics.

Bei’s recent publications:

Chen, B., (2023). Book chapter:

Chen, B., Marvin, S. & While, A., (2020).  

Guenat, S., et al., (2022).  DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31150-5. 

Marvin, S., While, A., Chen, B., Kovacic, M., (2022).