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

Goddard, M.A., Davies, Z.G., Guenat, S., Ferguson, M.J., Fisher, J.C., Akanni, A., Ahjokoski, T., Anderson, P.M.L., Angeoletto, F., Antoniou, C., Bates, A.J. ORCID: 0000-0001-7854-5260, Barkwith, A., Berland, A., Bouch, C.J., Rega-Brodsky, C.C., Byrne, L.B., Cameron, D., Canavan, R., Chapman, T., Connop, S., Crossland, S., Dade, M.C., Dawson, D.A., Dobbs, C., Downs, C.T., Ellis, E.C., Escobedo, F.J., Gobster, P., Gulsrud, N.M., Guneralp, B., Hahs, A.K., Hale, J.D., Hassall, C., Hedblom, M., Hochuli, D.F., Inkinen, T., Ioja, I.-C., Kendal, D., Knowland, T., Kowarik, I., Langdale, S.J., Lerman, S.B., MacGregor-Fors, I., Manning, P., Massini, P., McLean, S., Mkwambisi, D.D., Ossola, A., Luque, G.P., Pérez-Urrestarazu, L., Perini, K., Perry, G., Pett, T.J., Plummer, K.E., Radji, R.A., Roll, U., Potts, S.G., Rumble, H., Sadler, J.P., de Saille, S., Sautter, S., Scott, C.E., Shwartz, A., Smith, T., Snep, R.P.H., Soulsbury, C.D., Stanley, M.C., Van de Voorde, T., Venn, S.J., Warren, P.H., Washbourne, C.-L., Whitling, M., Williams, N.S.G., Yang, J., Yeshitela, K., Yocom, K.P. and Dallimer, M., 2021. A global horizon scan of the future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on urban ecosystems. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 5, pp. 219-230. ISSN 2397-334X

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Abstract

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
Publication Title: Nature Ecology & Evolution
Creators: Goddard, M.A., Davies, Z.G., Guenat, S., Ferguson, M.J., Fisher, J.C., Akanni, A., Ahjokoski, T., Anderson, P.M.L., Angeoletto, F., Antoniou, C., Bates, A.J., Barkwith, A., Berland, A., Bouch, C.J., Rega-Brodsky, C.C., Byrne, L.B., Cameron, D., Canavan, R., Chapman, T., Connop, S., Crossland, S., Dade, M.C., Dawson, D.A., Dobbs, C., Downs, C.T., Ellis, E.C., Escobedo, F.J., Gobster, P., Gulsrud, N.M., Guneralp, B., Hahs, A.K., Hale, J.D., Hassall, C., Hedblom, M., Hochuli, D.F., Inkinen, T., Ioja, I.-C., Kendal, D., Knowland, T., Kowarik, I., Langdale, S.J., Lerman, S.B., MacGregor-Fors, I., Manning, P., Massini, P., McLean, S., Mkwambisi, D.D., Ossola, A., Luque, G.P., Pérez-Urrestarazu, L., Perini, K., Perry, G., Pett, T.J., Plummer, K.E., Radji, R.A., Roll, U., Potts, S.G., Rumble, H., Sadler, J.P., de Saille, S., Sautter, S., Scott, C.E., Shwartz, A., Smith, T., Snep, R.P.H., Soulsbury, C.D., Stanley, M.C., Van de Voorde, T., Venn, S.J., Warren, P.H., Washbourne, C.-L., Whitling, M., Williams, N.S.G., Yang, J., Yeshitela, K., Yocom, K.P. and Dallimer, M.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: February 2021
Volume: 5
ISSN: 2397-334X
Identifiers:
NumberType
10.1038/s41559-020-01358-zDOI
1402161Other
Divisions: Schools > School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences
Record created by: Linda Sullivan
Date Added: 22 Jan 2021 15:15
Last Modified: 04 Jul 2021 03:00
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/42091

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