Drones for resilience

Over the next decade, cities will deploy a growing array of aerial, autonomous robotic systems. These fleets will enable more frequent, detailed, and cost-effective data collection and analysis supporting critical resilience and adaptation activities. AI-powered drones will automate the inspection of buildings and infrastructure, making it easier to repair damage from more severe storms. After disasters, drone surveys will empower local governments to rapidly assess damage and plan resilient reconstruction. Urban ecosystems will benefit from robotic systems that monitor biodiversity and environmental conditions in real-time. And heat island mapping using drones equipped with thermal imaging will allow cities to precisely target and evaluate cooling interventions.

This shift towards robotic urban monitoring will require cities to invest in new infrastructure, skills, and governance frameworks to manage conflicts over expanded operations in urban airspace. And while drones may expand cities efforts to reduce climate risk and manage climate-aggravated disasters, they may also to over-reliance on automated systems.