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Can Autonomous Robots Save The World?
We are witnessing the evolution of autonomous robotics. This next-generation of autonomous vehicles powered entirely by energy-efficient electric batteries are leveraging breakthrough artificial intelligence specifically designed for the future of sustainable cities.
In 2019, Dubai joined Amazon and Global Optimism’s The Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero energy by 2040 and introduced The Sustainable City. The initiative includes a robust sustainability philosophy that combines social, environmental, and economic factors. The infrastructure – home to around 3,000 residents – includes urban farming, renewable energy, waste and water reuse, recycling, and widespread electric transportation.
As we enter an era of global climate awareness, from both industrial and personal standpoints, consumers and producers must find innovative solutions to conduct business and consume products without harming the planet and better-utilising resources. This article will explore three main areas where robots can elevate our existence and help to save our planet
- Delivery
- Utility Community
- Police Patrol
Is online shopping killing our earth?
Each technological invention creates new consumer behaviours. Online shopping has continually grown in popularity over the last decade due to its targeted advertising and convenience – but it is also causing conglomerates to exponentially expand their distribution services, which contributes to congested streets and increased carbon emissions.
As technology continues to be more intuitive and online advertising more personalised, shoppers now expect same-day delivery and returns. With the introduction of lockdowns and the closure of brick-and-mortar stores, online shopping accelerated aggressively, putting enormous pressure on the global supply chain and invoking a reprehensible impact on the environment. In Germany alone, online orders result in over 5 million parcels being delivered every day, with every sixth parcel returned.
Whilst some argue to return to high street retail, in-store shopping is not a ‘green’ option either. Such a move would derail entire industries, force an unobtainable reversal of consumerism behaviour and still produce harmful greenhouse gases from lighting, heating, and cooling of the stores, along with the delivery of goods and each consumer’s journey to the store.
Currently, last-mile delivery comprises up to 28% of the total delivery cost and is one of the least efficient and most polluting processes in the supply chain. As a part of freight transport, last-mile is criticised for causing externalities in urban areas such as greenhouse gases, congestion, and pollution. A case study observing the impacts of last-mile delivery on the environment in Hanoi discovered that last-mile delivery constitutes about 27% of all circulating vehicles and 13% of emissions.
Delivery: can robots save the planet?
Consumers love convenience, but their concerns for the planet are growing. Now, they are buying into brands that offer convenient, environmentally-friendly solutions. As we hurdle closer to the climate’s impending breaking point, innovators are racing to find a sustainable, efficient and reliable way of delivering goods that satisfy and exceed customer expectations. As autonomous robotics gain sophistication, intelligence and reliability, many brands opt to invest in its capabilities.
The MO2-D Micropolis Delivery Robot offers a smart and intuitive robotic delivery solution with facial recognition and a positive personality. Otherwise known as ‘Canari’, the robot can send notifications, greet residents using their names, and deliver packages directly to the customer’s front door. The robot has four dry and secure storage compartments to serve multiple customers in a single trip and a fifth temperature-controlled compartment for special orders. Each container can be opened via the app or automatically through facial recognition.
Fully powered by electric batteries and producing zero emissions, Canari helps businesses reach their customers in dense neighbourhoods without harming the planet. The ageing demographic, in particular, benefits from meals, medication and resource delivery, exercise and other jobs in a secure, convenient way.
Utility: Protecting human health with robots
In a post-Covid world, people value their health and have grown sensitive to unhealthy environments. Every climate poses natural threats, and to mitigate future disasters, communities must develop a social responsibility to create clean and safe living spaces – particularly in crowded cities with high levels of pollution.
Whether it’s tackling unattended rubbish and uncovered bins that act as a natural breeding ground for pathogens, germs and diseases, or in tropical regions addressing the threat posed by mosquito infestations, cities must find better ways to address waste management and ensure cleanliness.
Not only to avoid the negative implications but to also create an environment conducive to attracting multinational companies that employ the local community. Whilst it’s possible to address the issues with human resources, the negative stigma attached to cleaning jobs will prevail, and where people cannot fulfil tasks – robots can.
Self-managed and fully autonomous, the MO2-U utility rover from Micropolis offers a robotic solution that completes multiple tasks, from road cleaning to trash collection and increased productivity within the community. Designed for quiet, residential areas, the multi-purpose service machine is powered with artificial intelligence and equipped with S.L.A.M technology. The unmanned rover has sweepers, a vacuum machine, a robotic arm to replace smart trash bins from residential units, and side screens for local businesses to advertise and promote eye-catching marketing campaigns.
Security: Moves like a patrol, thinks like a detective
Police departments are suffering officer attrition and struggling to replace them. Amid a tight labour market with rapidly rising crime rates and growing scrutiny of law enforcement practices, many police forces are short-staffed, exhibit low morale and face increased personal risk.
As cities across the globe navigate post-pandemic recoveries, an increase in crime has left the U.S. police force rife with staff or officer departures, including a 20% increase in resignations and a 45% increase in retirements. As recruiting and retaining police officers continues to prove difficult and expensive, dynamic, agile and intelligent autonomous robots are tackling crime and saving lives.
The MO2-P Community Patrol robot is designed to secure communities by fully replicating the duties of its human counterpart, with the addition of on-board AI-driven behavioural analysis. This fast-responder robot is compact, moves efficiently and has embedded intelligent crime detecting software, Microspot. The AI engine defines suspects and reports incidents by first detecting and reporting violent behaviours, wanted people, vehicles, and weapon use. The second part allows the MO2-P robot to determine if the detected person is a suspect by using Suspect Matrix, Criminal Logic and behavioural analysis – which helps to prevent incidents from happening.
The second security robot, the MO1-P, supports the MO2-P by patrolling and surveying cities to provide a safe and secure environment for residents. Managed by AI and Microspot software, the robot moves and performs tasks without direct operator supervision and has 24/7 surveillance, facial recognition, drones, and mobile monitoring, with footage transmitted directly to the police operation rooms for quick response and crime prevention.
Conclusion
No longer reserved for science-fiction, autonomous robots are revolutionising industries and providing significant value. Now it’s time for a new generation of robotics. By improving the speed and accuracy of routine operations, delivering more efficient service, and reducing the risk of human injury and fatalities, robots can decrease long-term costs and help to reduce the climate crisis.
Companies that have already deployed robots in the back office or operationally are reaping the benefits. Robots have proven to reduce error rates, improve data collection, offer more personalised and effective customer service, and upgrade human roles to be more strategic, meaningful, less dangerous and of higher value.
Demonstrating cohesiveness when working alongside their human counterparts, robots are elevating outcomes and have proven their sophistication by requiring less setup time and reduced supervision. They can work independently and around the clock with more consistent levels of quality and productivity, performing tasks that humans cannot, should not, or do not want to do.
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