Data Science & Society (DSS) Colloquium Talk with Thomas Schmickl, University of Graz, Austria, on Monday April 8 at 5PM in Rocky 300.

Title: Can Robots Save Nature?

Abstract: Our planet is on the brink of the 6th mass extinction, as our ecosystems are rapidly losing both
diversity and biomass. As intra- and inter-specific interaction networks weaken, ecosystems
become increasingly unstable, setting off on a downward trajectory along a deadly spiral. I
explore how robotic systems can play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems and communities.
I will show three levels of agency and how a “tech for good” approach might be helpful to
fight ecosystem decay: monitoring, intervention and restoration. By mitigating ecosystem
decay, robots may buy us precious time to address the root causes of environmental crises. I
will show innovative systems that we’ve developed over recent years — the initial strides toward going beyond mere animal-interaction systems by establishing eco-effective robotics.

Poster Link: https://pages.vassar.edu/dss/files/2024/03/Schmickl.presentation.8April2024.pdf