Robotics technology: catalyst for sustainable development—impact on innovation, healthcare, inequality, and economic growth

Abstract

Robotics technology transforms industries by driving sustainable development, improving healthcare delivery, decreasing inequality, and promoting economic growth. Through innovation and automation, robotics fosters inclusivity and efficiency, empowering underserved communities while tackling global challenges in line with the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs). Despite extensive research on robotics' impacts on sustainable development goals (SDGs), there is limited focus on how these technologies influence Healthcare, innovation, inequality, and economic growth, particularly in developing nations. This study uses a systematic literature review to enhance understanding of robotics as a catalyst for sustainable development. Findings show that SDGs' economic and Healthcare aspects are well-studied, representing 17% of the literature, with innovation at 18.9%, inequality at 9.4%, and SDG 8 at 3.8%. Other SDG aspects account for 34% of the research. The literature emphasizes the role of automation and robotics in achieving ecologically and economically aligned SDGs, particularly in sustainable Healthcare, where robotics can improve medication management in home care. However, many areas in robotics applications remain underexplored, indicating a need for further research to bridge existing gaps. There are untapped opportunities to leverage new tools to accelerate the achievement of global SDGs, particularly for deepening and expanding current efforts. SDG 8 remains under investigated. This study proposes a conceptual framework for sustainable technologies to advance SDG achievement. The findings underscore the critical role of robotics in advancing SDGs, especially in innovation and Healthcare, though highlighting gaps in economic growth and inequality research. Future research should focus on expanding robotics applications, particularly for underexplored areas such as SDG 8, to fully utilise their potential for sustainable development.