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Cited by 177Smart Cities and TechnologiesUrban Planning and GovernanceRobotics and Automated Systems

Robotics and automation in the city: a research agenda

Open access
Macrorie, Rachel, Marvin, Simon, While, Aidan·2021·Urban Geography
DOI 10.1080/02723638.2019.1698868
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Abstract

Globally cities are becoming experimental sites for new forms of robotic and automation technologies applied across a wide variety of sectors in multiple areas of economic and social life. As these innovations leave the laboratory and factory, this paper analyzes how robotics and automation systems are being layered upon existing urban digital networks, extending the capabilities and capacities of human agency and infrastructure networks, and reshaping the city and citizen’s everyday experiences. To date, most work in this field has been speculative and isolated in nature. We set out a research agenda that goes beyond analysis of discrete applications and effects, to investigate how robotics and automation connect across urban domains and the implications for differential urban geographies, the selective enhancement of individuals and collective management of infrastructures, the socio-spatial sorting of cities and the potential for responsible urban innovation.

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Research works printed but not linked: 16

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Authors
Macrorie, R., Marvin, S., & While, A.
Affiliations
University of Sheffield (GB)
Corresponding author
Macrorie, Rachel
ORCID
Venue
Urban Geography
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2019-12-31
Volume
42
Issue
2
Pages
197-217
ISSN
  • 0272-3638 (ISSN-L)
  • 1938-2847
DOI
10.1080/02723638.2019.1698868
OpenAlex
W2996931051
Cited by
177
References
74
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 32 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 37 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 27 · 2020: 11
FWCI
9.89
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Urban Geography (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • White Rose Research Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York) (acceptedVersion)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
Economic and Social Research Council (ES/N018907/1)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Media Technology › Smart Cities and Technologies
  • Social Sciences › Urban Studies › Urban Planning and Governance
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Control and Systems Engineering › Robotics and Automated Systems
Keywords
human agency, infrastructure management, everyday life, research agenda

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