Artificial intelligence and robotics on the frontlines of the pandemic response: the regulatory models for technology adoption and the development of resilient organisations in smart cities
This academic study examines the regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence and robotics in smart cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyzes how different policy approaches and technological applications—such as contact tracing apps, public monitoring systems, and healthcare robotics—affect privacy, data protection, and organizational resilience. Drawing on global case studies, the article advocates for a balanced, knowledge-based regulatory model that safeguards fundamental rights while enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Researchers, policymakers, and regulators seeking an academic analysis of AI and robotics governance within smart cities during public health emergencies.
What the document contains
The article covers the regulatory models governing AI and robotics adoption in smart cities during public health crises. It examines privacy and data protection frameworks, international case studies on contact tracing and surveillance, the use of healthcare robots, and the development of resilient organizational and administrative structures.
The document does not provide binding statutory text, administrative enforcement guidelines, or specific technical certification standards for individual AI developers.
- Smart city deployment of AI and robotics during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated secure, safe, and efficient technology use.
- Regulatory approaches range from complete deregulation and self-regulation to interventionist state control and balanced public law regulation.
- Different legal systems adopted contrasting tracking models, balancing public health surveillance against data protection and privacy laws like the GDPR and PIPL.
- Robots and AI enhanced healthcare resilience through automated disinfection, drug preparation, and telemedicine, though they also raised concerns about job displacement and human oversight.
- Effective crisis management in smart cities requires a knowledge-based regulatory model modeled after disaster management benchmarks, featuring administrative flexibility and coordinated e-governance.
· Introduction · Development of policy approach for AI and robotics · AI and robots in the fight with COVID-19: governance issues · AI, robots, and smart cities: COVID-19 resilience regulatory model · Conclusion
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
3/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
Issues related to liability for harms caused by AI tools also require delineating the roles and individual responsibilities of the actors who use these tools, both in public and private activities.
Development of policy approach for AI and robotics
screening score · 2026-10-25
Fairness
3/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
The said principles include transparency, interpretability, accountability, explicability, auditability, traceability, and neutrality or fairness
Development of policy approach for AI and robotics
screening score · 2026-10-25
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
This paradigm derives from the need to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to life, liberty and security of a person and privacy, or the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Development of policy approach for AI and robotics
screening score · 2026-10-25
Human Oversight
2/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
The listed concerns are also sparking a debate on the distinction of roles between humans and machines that transcend law and touch the boundaries of ethics and philosophy
Development of policy approach for AI and robotics
screening score · 2026-10-25
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
regulators worldwide seek to strengthen the rules on privacy by default and design. Issues related to liability for harms caused by AI tools also require delineating the roles and individual responsibilities
Development of policy approach for AI and robotics
screening score · 2026-10-25
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
moreover, algorithms can affect individuals’ freedom of choice, self-determination, and awareness, imposing the need for transparency rules to make users aware.
Development of policy approach for AI and robotics
screening score · 2026-10-25
Enforcement
3/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
With reference to the introduction of systems designed to control people, conflicting with their freedom of movement and the protection of their personal sphere, regulators worldwide seek to strengthen the rules on privacy by default and design.
Development of policy approach for AI and robotics
screening score · 2026-10-25
Impact Assessment
2/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
the study provides regulatory insights necessary to re-examine the strategic management of technology creation, dissemination, and application in smart cities
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-25