The United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) challenge the world to address the most pressing needs we collectively face. Everyone has a role to play in meeting the SDGs and for Jackson Crane this has become a significant part of his teaching and research.
Jackson Crane, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, was invited to speak this past October at the third annual Robotics & AI Symposium, presented by Ingenuity Labs, in the panel titled “Good Bot, Bad Bot.” Crane explained, “The symposium was organized to explore both technical and societal issues associated with robotics and artificial intelligence.”
As the title suggests, this panel discussion was a healthy debate about the impact of robotics on the efforts to meet the UN SDGs. “I was specifically tasked with arguing the ‘Bad Bot’ side—that robots are hindering our progress towards the SDGs,” Crane described.
Crane’s research is broadly based in energy systems which is complemented by his teaching focus in thermodynamics. Specifically, he investigates pathways to decarbonize aviation and electricity generation through improved engine efficiency and alternative fuels. This made him a perfect candidate for this panel. He elaborated, “My expertise and interest in energy systems intersects with several of the SDGs, for example ‘Climate Action’ and ‘Affordable and Clean Energy.’ I have also been immersed in institutions that are heavily involved with robotics research, such as MIT.”
Crane emphasized the importance of engineers specifically engaging with the SDGs, “The UN SDGs offer a unifying vision for transformational change the world needs. As engineers, we are good at solving problems, and I think we should align ourselves to the SDGs to ensure that our work has positive and lasting impact.”
He has done this himself through his research and teaching, aiming to inspire students to do the same: “In my thermodynamics course, I begin and end the course aligning students to the sustainable development context relevant to the material. Meanwhile, I have chosen research topics that I believe will help us reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.”
The Sustainable Development Goals are not just ambitious aspirations; they are a collective call to action for everyone, regardless of background or expertise, to contribute towards a brighter and more sustainable future. Students who are interested in engaging with the SDGs from an engineering and energy perspective are encouraged to reach out to Crane for research opportunities. You can drive meaningful change and help shape a more sustainable and equitable future!