Soft Sustainability Robotics

About the Workshop

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters are threatening fragile ecosystems, creating an urgent need for new, minimally invasive methods of ecological observation. This has sparked a growing shift toward robotic systems that can blend into natural environments, interact with wildlife, and operate for long periods without disturbing habitats. As such integration becomes increasingly likely, it is essential to ensure that these technologies are designed and deployed ethically, so they support rather than harm ecosystems.

1. Beneficial for nature — Robots must have clear ecological purpose and provide measurable environmental benefit.

2. Sustainable integration — Robots should be designed, built, and deployed in ways that minimize environmental impact, align with ecosystem dynamics, and remain non-disruptive to wildlife.

3. Accessibility and outreach — Local communities must be included in design and fieldwork, using their knowledge to guide responsible interventions and ensuring that scientific insights are shared widely.

The workshop will create a transdisciplinary forum to define principles for next-generation ecological and animal-interactive robots. Discussions will span materials, morphology, sensing, control, and ethics, aiming to develop robotic systems that coexist harmoniously with natural ecosystems and improve ecological monitoring while minimizing disturbance. Key research themes will guide progress toward this vision.

Date: April 7, 2025     Time: 8.10am-12.30pm     Venue: Kanazawa Hotel