From individual robots to connected urban services
The white paper illustrates six application areas that show how robots could support cities in the future. These include robots that optimize waste collection, maintain green spaces, and automatically inspect bridges and tunnels for structural damage. Other examples include service robots that guide patients through hospitals or assist shoppers in retail environments. The paper also highlights drone systems that can support emergency responders during critical incidents. Together, these examples demonstrate how autonomous systems can evolve from isolated applications into connected urban services.
Are cities ready for urban robotics?
The white paper introduces the Urban Robotics Readiness Index, a framework that helps cities and municipalities assess how well prepared they are for the deployment of autonomous robotics. It enables decision-makers to identify organizational, technical, and regulatory gaps at an early stage. Fraunhofer IAO supports municipalities in identifying suitable use cases, establishing real-world test environments, leveraging digital twins and simulation platforms, and developing business and operating models for long-term deployment.
The whitepaper ultimately argues for a change in perspective: from viewing robots as individual products to understanding robotics as part of urban service infrastructure.
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO