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; Crossland, Steve; Dade, Marie C.; Dawson, David A.; Dobbs, Cynnamon; Downs, Colleen T.; Ellis, Erle C.; Escobedo, Francisco J.; Gobster, Paul; Gulsrud, Natalie Marie; Guneralp, Burak; Hahs, Amy K.; Hale, James D.; Hassall, Christopher; Hedblom, Marcus; Hochuli, Dieter F.; Inkinen, Tommi; Ioja, Ioan-Cristian; Kendal, Dave; Knowland, Tom; Kowarik, Ingo; Langdale, Simon J.; Lerman, Susannah B.; MacGregor-Fors, Ian; Manning, Peter; Massini, Peter; McLean, Stacey; Mkwambisi, David D.; Ossola, Alessandro; Luque, Gabriel Pérez; Pérez-Urrestarazu, Luis; Perini, Katia; Perry, Gad; Pett, Tristan J.; Plummer, Kate E.; Radji, Raoufou...

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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 22, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jan 4, 2021
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Apr 12, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 12, 2023
• Journal: Nature Ecology and Evolution
• Electronic ISSN: 2397-334X
• Publisher: Nature Research
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 219-230
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-020-01358-z
• Keywords: Ecology; Evolution; Behavior; Systematics; Sustainability; Urban ecology
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10479750
• Publisher URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-020-01358-z
• Additional Information: Anonymized data are available from the University of Leeds institutional data repository120 at https://doi.org/10.5518/912.