A team of researchers working at the University of Leeds has been evaluating the impact of robotics and autonomous systems and how they can help achieve sustainable development goals.
This experiment involved over 100 experts from around the world. Lead author, Dr. Solène Guenat, initially started the research while at Leed University's Sustainability Research Institute with the goal of enabling robots and autonomous systems to maintain urban infrastructure without causing disruption to the people living and working in the area.
The research discovered numerous areas in which robotics could replace human work, like taking over manual and repetitive tasks. Additionally, the technology's ability to assist in human activities was a positive sign, with researchers pointing out an opportunity for assistive autonomous robotics to work hand-in-hand with people to facilitate activities in the public and private work environment.
The ability of this technology to foster innovation was another massive positive. Researchers believe advances in robotics and autonomous systems won't only speed up research and development but improve overall collaborations specifically within the sustainability realm.
Finally, this type of technology has the power to massively improve supply chains and transform current modes of transport. Overall the participants in the study said that the impact of robotics and autonomous systems on progress toward the SDGs would be positive.
