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Chris Carson Founder, Chief Executive Officer
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COVER STORY
PROFESSOR | MIT Prof. RICHARD LARSON
DRIVING INNOVATION, SYSTEMS THINKING, AND GLOBAL EDUCATION REFORM
Mitsui Professor at MIT. Inventor. Educator. Systems Thinker. Prof. Richard Larson’s expansive career spanning over five decades has shaped the intersection of operations research, public systems, and global education. From creating analytical models used by emergency services worldwide to pioneering open-source learning for underserved communities, Larson’s work is a remarkable fusion of technical depth and societal impact.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE
Despite his academic stature, Larson remains grounded in the practical. His consulting work with entities like the World Bank, United Nations, City of New York, and Citibank has emphasized his belief that impactful solutions arise from understanding problems at the root level. Whether developing queue models for movie theaters (United Artists Cinemas) or advising on postal logistics (U.S. Postal Service), he brings academic precision to real-world scenarios.
He has served on boards of companies like Structured Decisions Corporation, working on projects with American Airlines, Actmedia/Turner Broadcasting, Jenny Craig, and ConAgra—evidence of his deep engagement with both public and private sectors.
As a past-president of both INFORMS and ORSA, and recipient of the INFORMS President’s Award and Kimball Medal, Larson is one of the field’s most decorated scholars. He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering and has been listed in Who’s Who in America since 1982.
Yet, he emphasizes a humble truth: “Models need to live in the real world. They must be tested, refined, and adapted to people—not just numbers.”
CHRIS CARSON
FOUNDER | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EchoTwinAI: PioneeringtheFutureofSmartCities
Cities around the world are facing growing challenges—from infrastructure management to environmental sustainability. EchoTwin AI, founded in 2024, is at the forefront of addressing these issues through artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics. Under the leadership of Chris Carson, a seasoned entrepreneur and thought leader in AI-driven innovation, the company is transforming urban management with real-time insights and predictive analytics.
INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION
Chris Carson has built EchoTwin AI with a culture of innovation and collaboration. His leadership emphasizes cross-disciplinary research, open innovation, and strong partnerships with municipalities, academia, and industry leaders. This approach ensures that EchoTwin AI continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven automation and smart city development.
Advancing Drone and Robotics Capabilities
A key milestone for EchoTwin AI is the expansion of its AI-assisted analytics for drones and robotics. The company is developing an AI-powered information platform that provides actionable insights for urban automation. This ensures seamless integration of drones and robotics into waste management, infrastructure monitoring, and urban maintenance, helping cities operate more efficiently.
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Urban Transformation
EchoTwin AI’s vision is to become the global leader in AI-powered smart city solutions. Over the next decade, the company aims for widespread adoption in megacities worldwide, significantly improving efficiency, sustainability, and safety. As automation and AI continue to shape the urban landscape, EchoTwin AI’s platform will serve as a foundational technology for integrating smart city innovations.
With Chris Carson’s leadership and expertise in AI, machine learning, and digital transformation, EchoTwin AI is redefining urban management. By combining AI-driven insights with robotics and automation, the company is building smarter, safer, and more resilient cities. As urbanization accelerates, EchoTwin AI’s technology will play a crucial role in shaping the cities of tomorrow.
