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Urban robotic experimentation: San Francisco, Tokyo and Dubai

Author

Listed:
  • Aidan H While

    (Urban Institute and Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of Sheffield, UK)

  • Simon Marvin

    (University of Sheffield, UK)

  • Mateja Kovacic

    (University of Oxford, UK)

Abstract

Advances in robotics, artificial intelligence and automation have the potential to transform cities and urban social life. However, robotic restructuring of the city is complicated and contested. Technology is still evolving, robotic infrastructure is expensive and there are technical, trust and safety challenges in bringing robots into dynamic urban environments alongside humans. This article examines the nascent field of ‘urban robotics’ in three emblematic yet diverse national-urban contexts that are leading centres for urban robotic experimentation. Focusing on the experimental application of autonomous social robots, the article explores: (i) the rationale for urban robotic experiments and the interests involved, and (ii) the challenges and outcomes of creating meaningful urban spaces for robotic experimentation. The article makes a distinctive contribution to urban research by illuminating a potentially far-reaching but under-researched area of urban policy. It provides a conceptual framework for mapping and understanding the highly contingent, spatially uneven and socially selective processes of robotic urban experimentation.

Suggested Citation

  • Aidan H While & Simon Marvin & Mateja Kovacic, 2021. "Urban robotic experimentation: San Francisco, Tokyo and Dubai," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 58(4), pages 769-786, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:58:y:2021:i:4:p:769-786
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098020917790
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zaheer Allam & Simon Elias Bibri & David Jones & Didier Chabaud & Carlos Moreno, 2022. "Unpacking the ‘15-Minute City’ via 6G, IoT, and Digital Twins: Towards a New Narrative for Increasing Urban Efficiency, Resilience, and Sustainability," Post-Print hal-03997414, HAL.
    2. Haotian Zhong & Wei Li, 2023. "What if autonomous vehicles had been introduced into cities? A counterfactual analysis," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 60(16), pages 3198-3215, December.

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