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

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  • Mark A. Goddard
  • Zoe G. Davies
  • Solène Guenat
  • Mark J. Ferguson
  • Jessica C. Fisher
  • Adeniran Akanni
  • Teija Ahjokoski
  • Pippin M.L. Anderson
  • Fabio Angeoletto
  • Constantinos Antoniou
  • Adam J. Bates
  • Andrew Barkwith
  • Adam Berland
  • Christopher J. Bouch
  • Christine C. Rega-Brodsky
  • Loren B. Byrne
  • David Cameron
  • Rory Canavan
  • Tim Chapman
  • Stuart Connop
  • Steve Crossland
  • Marie C. Dade
  • David A. Dawson
  • Cynnamon Dobbs
  • Colleen T. Downs
  • Erle C. Ellis
  • Francisco J. Escobedo
  • Paul Gobster
  • Gulsrud, Natalie Marie
  • Burak Guneralp
  • Amy K. Hahs
  • James D. Hale
  • Christopher Hassall
  • Marcus Hedblom
  • Dieter F. Hochuli
  • Tommi Inkinen
  • Ioan Cristian Ioja
  • Dave Kendal
  • Tom Knowland
  • Ingo Kowarik
  • Simon J. Langdale
  • Susannah B. Lerman
  • Ian MacGregor-Fors
  • Peter Manning
  • Peter Massini
  • Stacey McLean
  • David D. Mkwambisi
  • Alessandro Ossola
  • Gabriel Pérez Luque
  • Luis Pérez-Urrestarazu
  • NatureEcology

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.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNature Ecology and Evolution
Volume5
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)219-230
Number of pages12
ISSN2397-334X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

ID: 257282769