SichBewegens

SichBewegens is a term used in mobility studies and design to describe a framework for autonomous self-movement by agents—humans, machines, or hybrid systems—in built environments. The concept centers on facilitating independent navigation while preserving user agency and safety.

Origins and terminology: The name combines elements suggesting self and movement, and it has appeared in scholarly and design discussions in the early 2020s as a label for an interdisciplinary approach to personal mobility and robotics.

Principles: Core principles include autonomy with user consent and control, safety-by-design, accessibility for diverse users, transparency in decision processes, privacy-respecting data practices, and interoperability across devices and urban systems.

Technologies: Realization relies on sensing and mapping (including SLAM), perception, actuators, navigation and planning algorithms, and human–machine interfaces. Hybrid models may integrate assistive devices with autonomous guidance and local environmental adaptation, supported by common standards for interoperability.

Applications: The concept informs the design of personal mobility aids such as self-propelled wheelchairs or robotic exoskeletons, autonomous last-mile delivery devices, and urban mobility solutions that assist navigation for people with impairments or navigational challenges. It also underpins planning for accessible transport networks and public spaces.

Reception and governance: Proponents highlight potential increases in independence and inclusion, while critics raise concerns about safety, privacy, and the risk of overpromising capabilities. Ongoing discussions emphasize governance, safety standards, accountability, and inclusive testing across diverse environments.

Related topics include autonomous vehicles, assistive technology, and human–robot interaction.