Urban robotics: Towards responsible innovations for our cities

Abstract

Abstract Emerging developments in robotics technologies combined with ambient intelligent infrastructures may radically improve the quality of life in cities. Urban robotics is a research area encompassing diverse applications for the urban environment. In particular, the term is used to refer to military, search and rescue and civil applications. In this article, we take into account civil applications. The article discusses the role of social desirability and responsibility in the design of robots and proposes a method for identifying the implications deriving from the interaction between the robot and the physical and non-physical properties of the urban environment. Among the issues discussed are: the phenomenon of vandalism, the rules of urban decorum, the social resistance towards technological displacement, and finally the new “soft” risks engendered by human–robot social interactions.