Technology & Innovation Archives - Page 9 of 19

Glareshade: A Visual Comfort-Based Approach to Occupant-Centric Shading Systems

Hashemloo, Alireza; Inanici, Mehlika; Meek, Christopher. (2016). Glareshade: A Visual Comfort-Based Approach to Occupant-Centric Shading Systems. Journal Of Building Performance Simulation, 9(4), 351 – 365.

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Abstract

This paper presents a novel method for designing of an occupant-centric shading algorithm that utilizes visual comfort metric as the form-generating criteria. Based on the premise of previous studies that demonstrate glare as the most important factor for operating shading devices, GlareShade is introduced as a simulation-based shading methodology driven by occupant's visual comfort. GlareShade not only responds to changing outdoor conditions such as the movement of the sun and the variation of cloud cover, but it also accounts for building specific local conditions. GlareShade draws its strength and flexibility from an occupant-centric approach that is based on the visual field of view of each occupant as the occupant is performing common visual tasks in a given environment, and the developed shading system is linked to a distributed sensing network of multiple occupants. ShadeFan is demonstrated as a proof-of-concept dynamic shading system utilizing the GlareShade method.

Keywords

Control Strategies; Design Tool; Daylight; Patterns; Offices; Blinds; Model; Occupant-centric Shading System; Glare; Daylighting; Visual Comfort

Capturing Fine-Scale Travel Behaviors: A Comparative Analysis between Personal Activity Location Measurement System (PALMS) and Travel Diary

Kang, Mingyu; Moudon, Anne V.; Hurvitz, Philip M.; Saelens, Brian E. (2018). Capturing Fine-Scale Travel Behaviors: A Comparative Analysis between Personal Activity Location Measurement System (PALMS) and Travel Diary. International Journal Of Health Geographics, 17(1).

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Abstract

BackgroundDevice-collected data from GPS and accelerometers for identifying active travel behaviors have dramatically changed research methods in transportation planning and public health. Automated algorithms have helped researchers to process large datasets with likely fewer errors than found in other collection methods (e.g., self-report travel diary). In this study, we compared travel modes identified by a commonly used automated algorithm (PALMS) that integrates GPS and accelerometer data with those obtained from travel diary estimates.MethodsSixty participants, who made 2100 trips during seven consecutive days of data collection, were selected from among the baseline sample of a project examining the travel behavior impact of a new light rail system in the greater Seattle, WA (USA) area. GPS point level analyses were first conducted to compare trip/place and travel mode detection results using contingency tables. Trip level analyses were then performed to investigate the effect of proportions of time overlap between travel logs and device-collected data on agreement rates. Global performance (with all subjects' data combined) and subject-level performance of the algorithm were compared at the trip level.ResultsAt the GPS point level, the overall agreement rate of travel mode detection was 77.4% between PALMS and the travel diary. The agreement rate for vehicular trip detection (84.5%) was higher than for bicycling (53.5%) and walking (58.2%). At the trip level, the global performance and subject-level performance of the PALMS algorithm were 46.4% and 42.4%, respectively. Vehicular trip detection showed highest agreement rates in all analyses. Study participants' primary travel mode and car ownership were significantly related to the subject-level mode agreement rates.ConclusionsThe PALMS algorithm showed moderate identification power at the GPS point level. However, trip level analyses found lower agreement rates between PALMS and travel diary data, especially for active transportation. Testing different PALMS parameter settings may serve to improve the detection of active travel and help expand PALMS's applicability in geographically different urbanized areas with a variety of travel modes.

Keywords

Transportation Planning; Public Health; Accelerometers; Global Positioning System; Voyages & Travels; Cycling; Algorithms; Accelerometer; Automated Algorithm; Gis; Gps; Places; Trips; Global Positioning Systems; Physical-activity; Data-collection; Health Research; Gps Data; Accelerometry; Validity

Rebaselining Asset Data for Existing Facilities and Infrastructure

Abdirad, Hamid; Dossick, Carrie Sturts. (2020). Rebaselining Asset Data for Existing Facilities and Infrastructure. Journal Of Computing In Civil Engineering, 34(1).

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Abstract

This paper introduces rebaselining as a workflow for collecting reliable and verifiable asset management data for existing facilities and infrastructure. Reporting on two action research case studies with two public owners in the US, this research structures rebaselining in four phases: (1) preparing technology enablers, (2) collecting data from existing documents, (3) conducting field verification, and (4) updating asset management databases. These workflows address some of the common challenges in managing existing assets, including the fast-paced changes in asset data requirements, the inaccuracies in data and documentation of these existing assets portfolios, and the need to update data and documents over their life cycle. The findings set the groundwork for implementing workflow by mapping the rebaselining business processes in each phase, listing the technological requirements for these processes, and explaining the feasibility and examples of customizing building information modeling (BIM) platforms for rebaselining workflows. This customization of BIM platforms aims to offer simplified solutions that reduce the facility management staff's need for advanced BIM software knowledge.

Keywords

Asset Management; Building Management Systems; Business Data Processing; Database Management Systems; Facilities Management; Production Engineering Computing; Project Management; Risk Analysis; Software Tools; Reliable Asset Management Data; Verifiable Asset Management Data; Action Research Case Studies; Public Owners; Research Structures; Technology Enablers; Asset Management Databases; Facility Management Staff; Rebaselining Workflows; Technological Requirements; Rebaselining Business Processes; Existing Assets Portfolios; Documentation; Asset Data Requirements; Managing Existing Assets; Information; Bim; Existing Buildings; Infrastructure; Asset Data; Rebaselining

Association of Neighborhood Physical Activity Opportunities with Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Garg, Parveen K.; Platt, Jonathan M.; Hirsch, Jana A.; Hurvitz, Philip; Rundle, Andrew; Biggs, Mary Lou; Psaty, Bruce M.; Moore, Kari; Lovasi, Gina S. (2021). Association of Neighborhood Physical Activity Opportunities with Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Health & Place, 70.

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Abstract

We determined associations of cumulative exposures to neighborhood physical activity opportunities with risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). We included 3595 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study recruited between 1989 and 1993 (mean age = 73; 60% women; 11% black). Neighborhood environment measures were calculated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and annual information from the National Establishment Time Series database, including the density of (1) walking destinations and (2) physical activity/ recreational facilities in a 1- and 5-km radius around the respondent's home. Incident CVD was defined as the development of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death and associations with time to incident CVD were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. A total of 1986 incident CVD cases occurred over a median follow-up of 11.2 years. After adjusting for baseline and time-varying individual and neighborhood-level confounding, a one standard deviation increase in walking destinations and physical activity/recreational facilities within 5 km of home was associated with a respective 7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.87-0.99) and 12% (95% CI = 0.73-1.0) decreased risk of incident CVD. No significant associations were noted within a 1-km radius. Efforts to improve the availability of physical activity resources in neighborhoods may be an important strategy for lowering CVD.

Keywords

Cardiovascular Diseases; Physical Activity; Proportional Hazards Models; Geographic Information Systems; Recreation Centers; Built Environment; Cardiovascular Disease; Coronary-heart-disease; Census Tract Data; Older-adults; Longitudinal Associations; Risk; Resources; Time; Atherosclerosis; Survival

Global Urban Environmental Change Drives Adaptation in White Clover

Santangelo, James S.; Ness, Rob W.; Cohan, Beata; Fitzpatrick, Connor R.; Innes, Simon G.; Koch, Sophie; Miles, Lindsay S.; Munim, Samreen; Peres-neto, Pedro R.; Prashad, Cindy; Tong, Alex T.; Aguirre, Windsor E.; Akinwole, Philips O.; Alberti, Marina; Alvarez, Jackie; Anderson, Jill T.; Anderson, Joseph J.; Ando, Yoshino; Andrew, Nigel R.; Angeoletto, Fabio; Anstett, Daniel N.; Anstett, Julia; Aoki-goncalves, Felipe; Arietta, A. Z. Andis; Arroyo, Mary T. K.; Austen, Emily J.; Baena-diaz, Fernanda; Barker, Cory A.; Baylis, Howard A.; Beliz, Julia M.; Benitez-mora, Alfonso; Bickford, David; Biedebach, Gabriela; Blackburn, Gwylim S.; Boehm, Mannfred M. A.; Bonser, Stephen P.; Bonte, Dries; Bragger, Jesse R.; Branquinho, Cristina; Brans, Kristien, I; Bresciano, Jorge C.; Brom, Peta D.; Bucharova, Anna; Burt, Briana; Cahill, James F.; Campbell, Katelyn D.; Carlen, Elizabeth J.; Carmona, Diego; Castellanos, Maria Clara; Centenaro, Giada; Chalen, Izan; Chaves, Jaime A.; Chavez-pesqueira, Mariana; Chen, Xiao-yong; Chilton, Angela M.; Chomiak, Kristina M.; Cisneros-heredia, Diego F.; Cisse, Ibrahim K.; Classen, Aimee T.; Comerford, Mattheau S.; Fradinger, Camila Cordoba; Corney, Hannah; Crawford, Andrew J.; Crawford, Kerri M.; Dahirel, Maxime; David, Santiago; De Haan, Robert; Deacon, Nicholas J.; Dean, Clare; Del-val, Ek; Deligiannis, Eleftherios K.; Denney, Derek; Dettlaff, Margarete A.; Dileo, Michelle F.; Ding, Yuan-yuan; Dominguez-lopez, Moises E.; Dominoni, Davide M.; Draud, Savannah L.; Dyson, Karen; Ellers, Jacintha; Espinosa, Carlos, I; Essi, Liliana; Falahati-anbaran, Mohsen; Falcao, Jessica C. F.; Fargo, Hayden T.; Fellowes, Mark D. E.; Fitzpatrick, Raina M.; Flaherty, Leah E.; Flood, Padraic J.; Flores, Maria F.; Fornoni, Juan; Foster, Amy G.; Frost, Christopher J.; Fuentes, Tracy L.; Fulkerson, Justin R.; Gagnon, Edeline; Garbsch, Frauke; Garroway, Colin J.; Gerstein, Aleeza C.; Giasson, Mischa M.; Girdler, E. Binney; Gkelis, Spyros; Godsoe, William; Golemiec, Anneke M.; Golemiec, Mireille; Gonzalez-lagos, Cesar; Gorton, Amanda J.; Gotanda, Kiyoko M.; Granath, Gustaf; Greiner, Stephan; Griffiths, Joanna S.; Grilo, Filipa; Gundel, Pedro E.; Hamilton, Benjamin; Hardin, Joyce M.; He, Tianhua; Heard, Stephen B.; Henriques, Andre F.; Hernandez-poveda, Melissa; Hetherington-rauth, Molly C.; Hill, Sarah J.; Hochuli, Dieter F.; Hodgins, Kathryn A.; Hood, Glen R.; Hopkins, Gareth R.; Hovanes, Katherine A.; Howard, Ava R.; Hubbard, Sierra C.; Ibarra-cerdena, Carlos N.; Iniguez-armijos, Carlos; Jara-arancio, Paola; Jarrett, Benjamin J. M.; Jeannot, Manon; Jimenez-lobato, Vania; Johnson, Mae; Johnson, Oscar; Johnson, Philip P.; Johnson, Reagan; Josephson, Matthew P.; Jung, Meen Chel; Just, Michael G.; Kahilainen, Aapo; Kailing, Otto S.; Karinho-betancourt, Eunice; Karousou, Regina; Kirn, Lauren A.; Kirschbaum, Anna; Laine, Anna-liisa; Lamontagne, Jalene M.; Lampei, Christian; Lara, Carlos; Larson, Erica L.; Lazaro-lobo, Adrian; Le, Jennifer H.; Leandro, Deleon S.; Lee, Christopher; Lei, Yunting; Leon, Carolina A.; Tamara, Manuel E. Lequerica; Levesque, Danica C.; Liao, Wan-jin; Ljubotina, Megan; Locke, Hannah; Lockett, Martin T.; Longo, Tiffany C.; Lundholm, Jeremy T.; Macgillavry, Thomas; Mackin, Christopher R.; Mahmoud, Alex R.; Manju, Isaac A.; Marien, Janine; Martinez, D. Nayeli; Martinez-bartolome, Marina; Meineke, Emily K.; Mendoza-arroyo, Wendy; Merritt, Thomas J. S.; Merritt, Lila Elizabeth L.; Migiani, Giuditta; Minor, Emily S.; Mitchell, Nora; Bazargani, Mitra Mohammadi; Moles, Angela T.; Monk, Julia D.; Moore, Christopher M.; Morales-morales, Paula A.; Moyers, Brook T.; Munoz-rojas, Miriam; Munshi-south, Jason; Murphy, Shannon M.; Murua, Maureen M.; Neila, Melisa; Nikolaidis, Ourania; Njunji, Iva; Nosko, Peter; Nunez-farfan, Juan; Ohgushi, Takayuki; Olsen, Kenneth M.; Opedal, Oystein H.; Ornelas, Cristina; Parachnowitsch, Amy L.; Paratore, Aaron S.; Parody-merino, Angela M.; Paule, Juraj; Paulo, Octavio S.; Pena, Joao Carlos; Pfeiffer, Vera W.; Pinho, Pedro; Piot, Anthony; Porth, Ilga M.; Poulos, Nicholas; Puentes, Adriana; Qu, Jiao; Quintero-vallejo, Estela; Raciti, Steve M.; Raeymaekers, Joost A. M.; Raveala, Krista M.; Rennison, Diana J.; Ribeiro, Milton C.; Richardson, Jonathan L.; Rivas-torres, Gonzalo; Rivera, Benjamin J.; Roddy, Adam B.; Rodriguez-munoz, Erika; Roman, Jose Raul; Rossi, Laura S.; Rowntree, Jennifer K.; Ryan, Travis J.; Salinas, Santiago; Sanders, Nathan J.; Santiago-rosario, Luis Y.; Savage, Amy M.; Scheepens, J. F.; Schilthuizen, Menno; Schneider, Adam C.; Scholier, Tiffany; Scott, Jared L.; Shaheed, Summer A.; Shefferson, Richard P.; Shepard, Caralee A.; Shykoff, Jacqui A.; Silveira, Georgianna; Smith, Alexis D.; Solis-gabriel, Lizet; Soro, Antonella; Spellman, Katie, V; Whitney, Kaitlin Stack; Starke-ottich, Indra; Stephan, Jorg G.; Stephens, Jessica D.; Szulc, Justyna; Szulkin, Marta; Tack, Ayco J. M.; Tamburrino, Italo; Tate, Tayler D.; Tergemina, Emmanuel; Theodorou, Panagiotis; Thompson, Ken A.; Threlfall, Caragh G.; Tinghitella, Robin M.; Toledo-chelala, Lilibeth; Tong, Xin; Uroy, Lea; Utsumi, Shunsuke; Vandegehuchte, Martijn L.; Vanwallendael, Acer; Vidal, Paula M.; Wadgymar, Susana M.; Wang, Ai-ying; Wang, Nian; Warbrick, Montana L.; Whitney, Kenneth D.; Wiesmeier, Miriam; Wiles, J. Tristian; Wu, Jianqiang; Xirocostas, Zoe A.; Yan, Zhaogui; Yao, Jiahe; Yoder, Jeremy B.; Yoshida, Owen; Zhang, Jingxiong; Zhao, Zhigang; Ziter, Carly D.; Zuellig, Matthew P.; Zufall, Rebecca A.; Zurita, Juan E.; Zytynska, Sharon E.; Johnson, Marc T. J. (2022). Global Urban Environmental Change Drives Adaptation in White Clover. Science, 375(6586), 1275+.

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Abstract

Urbanization transforms environments in ways that alter biological evolution. We examined whether urban environmental change drives parallel evolution by sampling 110,019 white clover plants from 6169 populations in 160 cities globally. Plants were assayed for a Mendelian antiherbivore defense that also affects tolerance to abiotic stressors. Urban-rural gradients were associated with the evolution of clines in defense in 47% of cities throughout the world. Variation in the strength of clines was explained by environmental changes in drought stress and vegetation cover that varied among cities. Sequencing 2074 genomes from 26 cities revealed that the evolution of urban-rural dines was best explained by adaptive evolution, but the degree of parallel adaptation varied among cities. Our results demonstrate that urbanization leads to adaptation at a global scale.

Keywords

Surface Temperature Retrieval; Cyanogenesis Clines; Hydrogen-cyanide; Gene Flow; F-st; Evolution; Polymorphism; Emissivity; Discovery; Framework; Drought; Urban Environments; Urbanization; Environmental Changes; Herbivory; Urban Development; Adaptation; Chemical Defense; Urban Areas; Data Collection; Trifolium Repens

Environmental Impacts Comparison between On-site vs. Prefabricated Just-in-Time (Prefab-JIT) Rebar Supply in Construction Projects

Kim, Yong-Woo; Azari-N, Rahman; Yi, June-Seong; Bae, Jinwoo. (2013). Environmental Impacts Comparison between On-site vs. Prefabricated Just-in-Time (Prefab-JIT) Rebar Supply in Construction Projects. Journal Of Civil Engineering And Management, 19(5), 647 – 655.

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Abstract

In the on-site rebar delivery system, as the common method of rebar supply in the construction industry, reinforced steel bars are delivered in large batches from supplier's facilities through contractor's warehouse to the construction site. Rebars are then fabricated on-site and installed after assembly. In the new delivery system, called prefabrication Just-In-Time (prefab-JIT) system, the off-site cut and bend along with frequent rebar delivery to the site are applied in order to improve the process and increase its efficiency. The main objective of this paper is to assess and compare the environmental impacts resulting from the air emissions associated with the two rebar delivery systems in a case study construction project. Environmental impact categories of interest include global warming, acidification, eutrophication, and smog formation. A process-based cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment methodology is applied to perform the analysis. The results show that the prefab-JIT rebar delivery system causes less contribution to all mentioned environmental impact categories compared with a traditional on-site delivery system.

Keywords

Environmental Impact Analysis; Comparative Studies; Microfabrication; Construction Industry; Reinforcing Bars; Contractors; Product Life Cycle; Environmental Impacts; Life Cycle; On-site Rebar Delivery System; Prefab-jit; Bars; Contracts; Global Warming; Just-in-time; Prefabricated Construction; Product Life Cycle Management; Project Management; Rebar; Steel; Warehousing; Waste Reduction; Smog Formation; Eutrophication; Acidification; Air Emissions; Prefab-jit System; Construction Site; Contractors Warehouse; Reinforced Steel Bars; Construction Projects; Prefabricated Just-in-time Rebar Supply; Environmental Impacts Comparison; Process-based Cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment Methodology; Energy; Products; Wood

Secondary GIS Built Environment Data for Health Research: Guidance for Data Development

Stewart, Orion T.; Carlos, Heather A.; Lee, Chanam; Berke, Ethan M.; Hurvitz, Philip M.; Li, Li; Moudon, Anne Vernez; Doescher, Mark P. (2016). Secondary GIS Built Environment Data for Health Research: Guidance for Data Development. Journal Of Transport & Health, 3(4), 529 – 539.

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Abstract

Built environment (BE) data in geographic information system (GIS) format are increasingly available from public agencies and private providers. These data can provide objective, low-cost BE data over large regions and are often used in public health research and surveillance. Yet challenges exist in repurposing GIS data for health research. The GIS data do not always capture desired constructs; the data can be of varying quality and completeness; and the data definitions, structures, and spatial representations are often inconsistent across sources. Using the Small Town Walkability study as an illustration, we describe (a) the range of BE characteristics measurable in a GIS that may be associated with active living, (b) the availability of these data across nine U.S. small towns, (c) inconsistencies in the GIS BE data that were available, and (d) strategies for developing accurate, complete, and consistent GIS BE data appropriate for research. Based on a conceptual framework and existing literature, objectively measurable characteristics of the BE potentially related to active living were classified under nine domains: generalized land uses, morphology, density, destinations, transportation system, traffic conditions, neighborhood behavioral conditions, economic environment, and regional location. At least some secondary GIS data were available across all nine towns for seven of the 9 BE domains. Data representing high-resolution or behavioral aspects of the BE were often not available. Available GIS BE data - especially tax parcel data often contained varying attributes and levels of detail across sources. When GIS BE data were available from multiple sources, the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the data could be reasonable ensured for use in research. But this required careful attention to the definition and spatial representation of the BE characteristic of interest. Manipulation of the secondary source data was often required, which was facilitated through protocols. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Geographic Information-systems; Physical-activity; Land-use; Walking; Neighborhood; Associations; Density; Design; Adults; Travel; Active Travel; Pedestrian; Urban Design; Community Health; Rural

Feasibility of Using QR Codes in Highway Construction Document Management

Lee, Hyun Woo; Harapanahalli, Bharat Anand; Nnaji, Chukwuma; Kim, Jonghyeob; Gambatese, John. (2018). Feasibility of Using QR Codes in Highway Construction Document Management. Transportation Research Record, 2672(26), 114 – 123.

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Abstract

Highway construction occasionally takes place in remote locations, making its document management challenging especially when frequent document revisions occur. With the recent advancement of smartphones and tablets, Quick Response (QR) codes can provide project teams rapid and reliable access to up-to-date documents required for field operations. As a result, the use of QR codes can lead to a reduced need for traveling or meeting for document revisions, and reduce the amount of hardcopy documents and storage space. Despite the potential for significant benefits, there have been few studies aimed at assessing the feasibility of using QR codes in highway construction. In response, the objective of the study was to investigate the benefits of and barriers to using QR codes in highway construction for document management. To conduct the study, first a multi-step process was used, involving an online survey and interviews, with a goal of determining the status quo of highway construction in terms of document management and mobile information technology (IT). The results indicate that hardcopy documentation is still the most prevalent form of document management in highway construction, and hence there is an opportunity for implementing QR codes in conjunction with mobile IT. In the second part of the study, a time study using a real-world infrastructure project was conducted based on three activities: detail look up, specification check, and version check. As a result, the study found statistical evidence that using QR codes can lead to significant time savings.

Keywords

Highway Planning; Information Services; Road Construction; Document Management; Field Operation; Highway Construction; Infrastructure Project; Online Surveys; Quick Response Code; Remote Location; Statistical Evidence

Curriculum To Prepare AEC Students for BIM-Enabled Globally Distributed Projects

Anderson, Anne; Dossick, Carrie Sturts; Osburn, Laura. (2020). Curriculum To Prepare AEC Students for BIM-Enabled Globally Distributed Projects. International Journal Of Construction Education & Research, 16(4), 270 – 289.

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Abstract

Globalization and the increasing adoption of BIM and other technologies in the AEC industry have changed the way we prepare graduates for the digital workplace. This paper presents curriculum design where students from five universities worked together to develop design and construction proposals. This paper describes a collaborative project executed in two parts. Part I included the University of Washington in the USA and IIT-Madras in India. Part II included Washington State University in the USA, and National Taiwan University and National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. Students from these global universities worked on a multi-disciplinary, interdependent project where teams created 3D models and 4D construction simulations. This curriculum addresses ACCE and ABET accreditation requirements regarding multi-disciplinary teams, ethical and professional responsibilities in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts, and effective teamwork. In this paper, we describe the course design, evaluative criteria, and lessons learned. We found that it was important to emphasize BIM Execution Planning for distributed teams given that communication and coordination can be challenging across time zones and cultural differences. Working through technical challenges of exchanging BIM data, the students learned coordination skills in a globally distributed team environment that simulated real work experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of International Journal of Construction Education & Research is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Keywords

College Curriculum; Project Management; Digital Technology; Work Environment; Globalization; Bim; Building Information Modeling; Digital Literacy; Distributed Teams; Global Collaboration

A Global Horizon Scan of the Future Impacts of Robotics and Autonomous Systems on Urban Ecosystems

Goddard, Mark A.; Davies, Zoe G.; Guenat, Solene; Ferguson, Mark J.; Fisher, Jessica C.; Akanni, Adeniran; Ahjokoski, Teija; Anderson, Pippin M. L.; Angeoletto, Fabio; Antoniou, Constantinos; Bates, Adam J.; Barkwith, Andrew; Berland, Adam; Bouch, Christopher J.; Rega-brodsky, Christine C.; Byrne, Loren B.; Cameron, David; Canavan, Rory; Chapman, Tim; Connop, Stuart; Crossland, Steve; Dade, Marie C.; Dawson, David A.; Dobbs, Cynnamon; Downs, Colleen T.; Ellis, Erle C.; Escobedo, Francisco J.; Gobster, Paul; Gulsrud, Natalie Marie; Guneralp, Burak; Hahs, Amy K.; Hale, James D.; Hassall, Christopher; Hedblom, Marcus; Hochuli, Dieter F.; Inkinen, Tommi; Ioja, Ioan-cristian; Kendal, Dave; Knowland, Tom; Kowarik, Ingo; Langdale, Simon J.; Lerman, Susannah B.; Macgregor-fors, Ian; Manning, Peter; Massini, Peter; Mclean, Stacey; Mkwambisi, David D.; Ossola, Alessandro; Luque, Gabriel Perez; Perez-urrestarazu, Luis; Perini, Katia; Perry, Gad; Pett, Tristan J.; Plummer, Kate E.; Radji, Raoufou A.; Roll, Uri; Potts, Simon G.; Rumble, Heather; Sadler, Jon P.; De Saille, Stevienna; Sautter, Sebastian; Scott, Catherine E.; Shwartz, Assaf; Smith, Tracy; Snep, Robbert P. H.; Soulsbury, Carl D.; Stanley, Margaret C.; Van De Voorde, Tim; Venn, Stephen J.; Warren, Philip H.; Washbourne, Carla-leanne; Whitling, Mark; Williams, Nicholas S. G.; Yang, Jun; Yeshitela, Kumelachew; Yocom, Ken P.; Dallimer, Martin. (2021). A Global Horizon Scan of the Future Impacts of Robotics and Autonomous Systems on Urban Ecosystems. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 5(2), 219.

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Abstract

The future challenges and potential opportunities of robotics and autonomous systems in urban ecosystems, and how they may impact biodiversity, are explored and prioritized via a global horizon scan of 170 experts. Technology is transforming societies worldwide. A major innovation is the emergence of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS), which have the potential to revolutionize cities for both people and nature. Nonetheless, the opportunities and challenges associated with RAS for urban ecosystems have yet to be considered systematically. Here, we report the findings of an online horizon scan involving 170 expert participants from 35 countries. We conclude that RAS are likely to transform land use, transport systems and human-nature interactions. The prioritized opportunities were primarily centred on the deployment of RAS for the monitoring and management of biodiversity and ecosystems. Fewer challenges were prioritized. Those that were emphasized concerns surrounding waste from unrecovered RAS, and the quality and interpretation of RAS-collected data. Although the future impacts of RAS for urban ecosystems are difficult to predict, examining potentially important developments early is essential if we are to avoid detrimental consequences but fully realize the benefits.

Keywords

Smart City; Green Infrastructure; Automated Vehicles; Water-quality; Land-use; Cities; Opportunities; Biodiversity; Challenges; Services; Robotics; Horizon; Ecosystems; Land Use; Ecosystem Management; Transportation Systems; Strategic Management; Urban Areas