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Meeting sustainable development goals via robotics and autonomous systems

Author

Listed:
  • Solène Guenat

    (University of Leeds
    Institute of Landscape Planning and Ecology, University of Stuttgart)

  • Phil Purnell

    (University of Leeds)

  • Zoe G. Davies

    (University of Kent)

  • Maximilian Nawrath

    (University of Leeds)

  • Lindsay C. Stringer

    (University of York)

  • Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu

    (Qatar University)

  • Muniyandi Balasubramanian

    (Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources, Institute for Social and Economic Change)

  • Erica E. F. Ballantyne

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Bhuvana Kolar Bylappa

    (St John’s Medical College and Hospital)

  • Bei Chen

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Peta Jager

    (Smart Places, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)

  • Andrea Prete

    (University of Trento)

  • Alessandro Nuovo

    (Sheffield Hallam University)

  • Cyril O. Ehi-Eromosele

    (Covenant University)

  • Mehran Eskandari Torbaghan

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Karl L. Evans

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Markus Fraundorfer

    (University of Leeds)

  • Wissem Haouas

    (Femto-st Institute)

  • Josephat U. Izunobi

    (University of Lagos)

  • Juan Carlos Jauregui-Correa

    (Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro)

  • Bilal Y. Kaddouh

    (University of Leeds)

  • Sonia Lewycka

    (University of Oxford)

  • Ana C. MacIntosh

    (University of York)

  • Christine Mady

    (Notre Dame University-Louaize)

  • Carsten Maple

    (WMG, University of Warwick)

  • Worku N. Mhiret

    (University of Gondar)

  • Rozhen Kamal Mohammed-Amin

    (Sulaimani Polytechnic University)

  • Olukunle Charles Olawole

    (Covenant University)

  • Temilola Oluseyi

    (University of Lagos)

  • Caroline Orfila

    (University of Leeds)

  • Alessandro Ossola

    (University of CA)

  • Marion Pfeifer

    (Newcastle University)

  • Tony Pridmore

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Moti L. Rijal

    (Tribhuvan University)

  • Christine C. Rega-Brodsky

    (Pittsburg State University)

  • Ian D. Robertson

    (University of Leeds)

  • Christopher D. F. Rogers

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Charles Rougé

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Maryam B. Rumaney

    (MB Rumaney Scientific Consulting)

  • Mmabaledi K. Seeletso

    (Botswana Open University)

  • Mohammed Z. Shaqura

    (University of Leeds)

  • L. M. Suresh

    (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, ICRAF)

  • Martin N. Sweeting

    (University of Surrey)

  • Nick Taylor Buck

    (University of Sheffield)

  • M. U. Ukwuru

    (Federal Polytechnic Idah)

  • Thomas Verbeek

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Hinrich Voss

    (HEC Montreal)

  • Zia Wadud

    (University of Leeds)

  • Xinjun Wang

    (School of Art and Design, Changzhou Institute of Technology)

  • Neil Winn

    (University of Leeds)

  • Martin Dallimer

    (University of Leeds)

Abstract

Robotics and autonomous systems are reshaping the world, changing healthcare, food production and biodiversity management. While they will play a fundamental role in delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals, associated opportunities and threats are yet to be considered systematically. We report on a horizon scan evaluating robotics and autonomous systems impact on all Sustainable Development Goals, involving 102 experts from around the world. Robotics and autonomous systems are likely to transform how the Sustainable Development Goals are achieved, through replacing and supporting human activities, fostering innovation, enhancing remote access and improving monitoring. Emerging threats relate to reinforcing inequalities, exacerbating environmental change, diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions and reducing freedom and privacy through inadequate governance. Although predicting future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on the Sustainable Development Goals is difficult, thoroughly examining technological developments early is essential to prevent unintended detrimental consequences. Additionally, robotics and autonomous systems should be considered explicitly when developing future iterations of the Sustainable Development Goals to avoid reversing progress or exacerbating inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Solène Guenat & Phil Purnell & Zoe G. Davies & Maximilian Nawrath & Lindsay C. Stringer & Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu & Muniyandi Balasubramanian & Erica E. F. Ballantyne & Bhuvana Kolar Bylappa & Bei Ch, 2022. "Meeting sustainable development goals via robotics and autonomous systems," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-31150-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31150-5
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    1. Scuotto, V. & Ballestra, L.V. & Cuomo, M.T. & Del Giudice, M., 2024. "Increasing lower incomes and reducing material deprivation: The beneficial role of social robots," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).

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