A global horizon scan of the future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on urban ecosystems

Goddard, Mark A.; Davies, Zoe G.; Guenat, Solène; Ferguson, Mark J.; Fisher, Jessica C.; Akanni, Adeniran; Ahjokoski, Teija; Anderson, Pippin M.L.; Angeoletto, Fabio; Antoniou, Constantinos; Bates, Adam J.; Barkwith, Andrew; Berland, Adam; Bouch, Christopher J.; Rega-Brodsky, Christine C.; Byrne, Loren B.; Cameron, David; Canavan, Rory; Chapman, Tim; Connop, Stuart; ... (2021). A global horizon scan of the future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on urban ecosystems. Nature ecology & evolution, 5(2), pp. 219-230. Springer Nature 10.1038/s41559-020-01358-z

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Technology is transforming societies worldwide. A major innovation is the emergence of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS), which have the potential to revolutionize cities for both people and nature. Nonetheless, the opportunities and challenges associated with RAS for urban ecosystems have yet to be considered systematically. Here, we report the findings of an online horizon scan involving 170 expert participants from 35 countries. We conclude that RAS are likely to transform land use, transport systems and human–nature interactions. The prioritized opportunities were primarily centred on the deployment
of RAS for the monitoring and management of biodiversity and ecosystems. Fewer challenges were prioritized. Those that were emphasized concerns surrounding waste from unrecovered RAS, and the quality and interpretation of RAS-collected data. Although the future impacts of RAS for urban ecosystems are difficult to predict, examining potentially important developments early is essential if we are to avoid detrimental consequences but fully realize the benefits.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

08 Faculty of Science > Department of Biology > Institute of Ecology and Evolution (IEE) > Conservation Biology

UniBE Contributor:

Hale, James David

Subjects:

500 Science > 570 Life sciences; biology

ISSN:

2397-334X

Publisher:

Springer Nature

Language:

English

Submitter:

Olivier Roth

Date Deposited:

07 Apr 2022 08:16

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 16:18

Publisher DOI:

10.1038/s41559-020-01358-z

PubMed ID:

33398104

BORIS DOI:

10.48350/168753

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/168753

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