Towards smart green wall maintenance and Wallbot technology

Purpose The UN forecast of a 3-degree Celsius global temperature increase by 2,100 will exacerbate excessive heat. Population growth, urban densification, climate change and warming contribute to heat waves, which are more intense in high-density environments. With urbanisation, vegetation is replaced impervious materials the island effect. Concurrently, adverse health outcomes heat- related deaths increasing, stress affects labour productivity. More green infrastructure, such as walls, needed mitigate these effects; however maintenance costs, OH&S issues perceptions fire risk inhibit take up. What if barriers could be overcome Wallbot? This research examines feasibility integrating smart technology form Wallbot. Design/methodology/approach design comprised two workshops with key stakeholders; comprising wall designers installers, teams, project managers building owners installations, horticulture scientists, mechatronics engineers. aim was gain deeper understanding affecting walls on different types New South Wales Australia inform prototype robot maintain walls. Findings Wallbot has great potential perceived associated maintaining also detection. If addressed, other locations, sides motorways or rail corridors, used for installations thereby increasing mitigation UHI. innovation would welcome addition property maintenance. Research limitations/implications pilot study, sample stakeholders attending small, though experienced. range varied, it decided focus initially specific type Therefore sizes may suit specifications design. Practical implications To date, no exists that maintains this innovative developed trialling inspection. Originality/value No study date assessed stakeholder technology.