Robot-Friendly Cities

School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia Robots are increasingly tested in public spaces, towards a f uture where urban environments are not only for humans but for autonomous syst ems. While robots are promising, for convenience and efficiency, there are challenges associated with building cities crowded with machines. This p aper provides an overview of the problems and some solutions, and calls for gr eater attention on this matter . Urban environments will increasingly be spaces for autonom ous systems, of which automated vehicles is only one popular type. Robot wheelchairs could be used in public as well other robot -transporters to help the elderly.