1. Meeting sustainable development goals via robotics and autonomous systems.
- Author
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Guenat S, Purnell P, Davies ZG, Nawrath M, Stringer LC, Babu GR, Balasubramanian M, Ballantyne EEF, Bylappa BK, Chen B, De Jager P, Del Prete A, Di Nuovo A, Ehi-Eromosele CO, Eskandari Torbaghan M, Evans KL, Fraundorfer M, Haouas W, Izunobi JU, Jauregui-Correa JC, Kaddouh BY, Lewycka S, MacIntosh AC, Mady C, Maple C, Mhiret WN, Mohammed-Amin RK, Olawole OC, Oluseyi T, Orfila C, Ossola A, Pfeifer M, Pridmore T, Rijal ML, Rega-Brodsky CC, Robertson ID, Rogers CDF, Rougé C, Rumaney MB, Seeletso MK, Shaqura MZ, Suresh LM, Sweeting MN, Taylor Buck N, Ukwuru MU, Verbeek T, Voss H, Wadud Z, Wang X, Winn N, and Dallimer M
- Subjects
- Biodiversity, Conservation of Natural Resources, Goals, Humans, Robotics, Sustainable Development
- 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., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2022
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