Exploring inclusion in UK agricultural robotics development: who, how, and why?

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Robotics Engineering
• Sociology of Technology

Background:

• The global agricultural sector faces sustainability challenges, with automation and agricultural robotics proposed as solutions.
• Agricultural robotics promise environmental benefits, improved yields, and labor shortage solutions, but raise ethical concerns like unemployment and inequality.
• Responsible innovation in agricultural robotics necessitates inclusive development processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current stakeholder participation and inclusion practices among UK agricultural robotics developers.
• To analyze who is included, the methods of inclusion, and the objectives of engagement in the development process.
• To align findings with responsible innovation literature and inform future inclusive practices in agricultural robotics.

Main Methods:

• Conducting semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the UK agricultural robotics sector.
• Analyzing current approaches to participation and inclusion in technology development.
• Comparing empirical findings with existing literature on stakeholder engagement in agricultural technology.

Main Results:

• Current stakeholder engagement in UK agricultural robotics development is limited and varies in its approach.
• The study identifies specific groups included and excluded in the development process.
• The objectives and depth of stakeholder inclusion do not consistently align with responsible innovation principles.

Conclusions:

• UK agricultural robotics developers' current inclusion practices may not fully address the ethical challenges posed by the technology.
• There is a need for more substantive and meaningful stakeholder engagement to foster responsible innovation.
• Future development should prioritize broader and more equitable inclusion to mitigate potential negative societal impacts.