Adam Beck Appointed Head of Urban Planning at URF

Date Published: September 3, 2025

Toronto, Canada – The Urban Robotics Foundation (URF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Beck as its new Head of Urban Planning. Based in Australia, Adam will lead this global role while simultaneously serving local markets across the Asia Pacific region.

Adam’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for urban planning and the integration of robotics into the built environment. With more than two decades of experience across public and private sectors, Adam is widely regarded as a leading voice in digital planning, urban infrastructure, and public realm innovation. His unique expertise positions him to drive progress at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and strategic city development.

The announcement is made in advance of Adam’s September 4th address at the Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM) National Transport Conference in Adelaide, South Australia, where he will deliver an inspiring call to action for urban planners, landscape architects, transport engineers, and mobility professionals. Adam emphasizes the critical need to build readiness for the deployment of public area mobile robots (PMRs) in Australia, advocating for coordinated efforts to ensure future cities are prepared for this transformational shift.

“Public area mobile robots (PMRs) represent a new frontier for urban landscapes,” Adam will state during his presentation. “But their success hinges on the collaborative readiness of planners, designers, and policymakers to integrate this technology into the fabric of our public places and spaces, inside and out. Together, we can reimagine how people and autonomous robots coexist in public spaces.”

The Urban Robotics Foundation envisions a future where innovative robotics enhances urban environments, promoting sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency in cities worldwide. Adam’s strategic role will focus on advancing this mission by fostering partnerships, developing standards, and empowering urban professionals with practical tools and insights to facilitate the successful integration of robotics into urban ecosystems.

About Urban Robotics Foundation

The Urban Robotics Foundation (URF) is a global organisation dedicated to advancing public area mobile robots to create better cities. Through advocacy, training, and advisory services, URF works to build urban environments that are smarter, safer, and more inclusive, driving innovation in digital planning and public realm design.

Media Contact

Lee St James, Managing Director (leestj@urbanroboticsfoundation.org)

Adam Beck can be reached locally at: +61 422 496 043