FARI2026 — AI and Robotics: Who Decides, Who Benefits, Who Pays?

This session will foster an evidence-based dialogue on how AI and robotics can be designed, governed and deployed Location: Google Atelier Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes This flagship Sustainability panel brings together perspectives and practical examples from the Trust, Cities and Public flagships. It will foster an evidence-based dialogue on how AI and robotics can be designed, governed and deployed to deliver measurable environmental and social value in service of the common good. The discussion takes a deliberately two-way perspective: exploring both how AI and robotics can advance sustainability goals, and how to ensure that these technologies are themselves sustainable throughout their lifecycle — from energy, materials and water use to governance and distributional impacts. The session will address three core questions: Where can AI and robotics deliver meaningful, measurable sustainability impact — and how do we demonstrate it? How can these systems be designed to minimise their own environmental and social footprint across their lifecycle? And what frameworks, standards and governance mechanisms are needed before they are deployed at scale in public life? Three themes will structure the conversation: measuring impact and the common good; responsible testing and deployment; and social inclusion and a just transition. —— We reserve the right to deny access to our events to any individual who does not comply with our guidelines or whose behavior compromises the safety and respect of participants. We want everyone to feel fully welcome and able to participate in this event in the best possible conditions. If you have any specific accessibility needs or requirements related to a disability, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We will do our best to provide appropriate accommodations and ensure your participation is as comfortable and accessible as possible.