A global horizon scan of the future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on urban ecosystems
Article
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. 2020. A global horizon scan of the future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on urban ecosystems. Nature Ecology and Evolution. 5, p. 219–230. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-020-01358-z
Authors | 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. |
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Abstract | Technology is transforming societies worldwide. A significant innovation is the emergence of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS), which have the potential to revolutionise 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 prioritised opportunities were primarily centred on the deployment of RAS for monitoring and management of biodiversity and ecosystems. Fewer challenges were prioritised. Those that were emphasised 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 hard to predict, examining potentially important developments early is essential if we are to avoid detrimental consequences, but fully realise the benefits. |
Journal | Nature Ecology and Evolution |
Journal citation | 5, p. 219–230 |
ISSN | 2397-334X |
Year | 2020 |
Publisher | Nature Research |
Accepted author manuscript | License File Access Level Anyone |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-020-01358-z |
Publication dates | |
Online | 04 Jan 2021 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 22 Oct 2020 |
Deposited | 29 Oct 2020 |
Funder | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
European Research Council | |
Copyright holder | © 2020 The Authors |
https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/88q29
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Accepted author manuscript
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