Abstract
The urbanization of global populations, happening at an historically unprecedented pace, demands novel approaches that optimize urban infrastructure performance as well as sustainability and livability. This article reviews bio-informed robotics in industry and medicine, including applications that seek to automate processes for efficiency as well as efforts to improve human health. This paper presents a structure for creating re-deployable robotic solutions by introducing integration of biology, robotics and mechanical engineering. We show the effects of bio-inspired robotics on specific performance metrics: precision, energy efficiency and patient outcomes, using a mixed-methods approach with both experimental prototypes and simulations. The bioinspired designs led to statistically significant improvements in operational efficiency and clinical effectiveness, suggesting the transformative potential of urban systems through nature-based solutions. The robots studies support the development of robotics technologies for engineers and policymakers.