Assessment of sustainable development objectives in Smart Labs: technology and sustainability at the service of society

Abstract

Sustainable development is the working basis of engineering research and cities are becoming increasingly flexible, inclusive and intelligent. In this context, there is a need for environments that emulate real-life spaces in which cutting-edge technologies can be implemented for subsequent deployment in society. Smart Labs or Living Labs are spaces for innovation, research and experimentation that integrate systems, devices and methodologies focused on people and their environments. The technologies studied and developed in such labs can then be deployed in human spaces to provide intelligence, comfort, health and sustainability. Health and wellness, energy and environment, artificial intelligence, big data and digital rights are some of the disciplines being studied. At the same time, the UN 2030 Agenda provides a comprehensive framework to promote human well-being through the Sustainable Development Goals. In this work, an evaluation model of its indicators in smart environments is performed through a mixed review methodology. The objective of this work is the analysis and implementation of the SDGs in Smart Labs through a literature review and a case study of UJAmI, the smart laboratory of the University of Ja´en. The results provide quantitative and qualitative data on the present and future of the smart devices implemented in the UJAmI lab, providing a roadmap for future developments.