تحلیل اثرات اجتماعی فناوری خودروهای خودران بر شهر: رویکردی کیفی بر پایه مرور نظام‌مند ادبیات

ABSTRACT
With the rapid advancement of emerging technologies in urban transportation, autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as one of the most transformative innovations shaping the future of smart cities. Despite the extensive focus of previous studies on the technical aspects of this technology, its social implications for the spatial and human structure of cities remain relatively underexplored. This study adopts a qualitative approach and employs a systematic literature review method to examine and analyze the social dimensions of autonomous vehicle technology. The research data were derived from the analysis of 102 selected international scientific articles published between 2014 and 2024. Utilizing MaxQDA software, the data were analyzed through a three-stage coding process: open, axial, and selective coding. The findings reveal that the social impacts of AVs can be categorized into three main themes: social equity (with an emphasis on the inclusion of vulnerable groups), public health (encompassing both direct and indirect effects on the physical and mental well-being of citizens), and urban quality of life (focusing on livability and overall well-being). The analysis suggests that AV technology holds significant potential to redefine these key concepts. However, realizing this potential requires the development and implementation of comprehensive, human-centered, and multidisciplinary policies that go beyond purely technology-driven perspectives to incorporate the social, ethical, and spatial dimensions of the technology. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for social impact assessments and technological policymaking in the realm of future urban transportation.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The ongoing evolution of urban transportation systems is increasingly shaped by emerging technologies, among which autonomous vehicles (AVs) have garnered significant attention as a potentially transformative force in the future of smart cities. These vehicles, capable of operating with little or no human intervention, promise to redefine how people move through and interact with urban environments. While a substantial body of literature has focused on the technical, engineering, and operational aspects of AVs—such as navigation systems, safety algorithms, and infrastructure requirements—their broader societal and spatial implications have remained relatively underexplored. In particular, the social consequences of AV adoption and integration, including issues of equity, health, and urban livability, require deeper scholarly investigation within the context of urban planning and development.
This study responds to this critical research gap by systematically reviewing and analyzing existing literature on the social impacts of autonomous vehicles. It seeks to uncover how the widespread implementation of AV technology might influence urban social structures, public health, spatial justice, and overall quality of life. The central research question guiding this investigation is: What are the key social dimensions affected by the introduction of AVs, and how can urban policy and planning frameworks respond effectively to these changes?
 
Methodology
To address this question, a qualitative research approach was adopted, drawing upon systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. This method enables a structured and comprehensive examination of peer-reviewed academic work, ensuring a rigorous synthesis of current knowledge and trends. A total of 102 international scholarly articles, published between 2014 and 2024, were selected based on relevance, academic quality, and alignment with the research objectives. Databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were used to gather the initial pool of publications, which was then filtered through predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
The selected studies were imported into MaxQDA for in-depth qualitative analysis. The coding process followed the classic three-phase model of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding as described by Strauss and Corbin. This framework allowed for the identification of core categories and interrelations among recurring themes across the dataset. By focusing specifically on the social implications of AVs rather than technical or economic aspects, the study maintained a clear alignment with its urban planning perspective.
 
Results and discussion
The analysis yielded three principal thematic categories representing the social impacts of AV technology:

Social Equity: The introduction of AVs presents both opportunities and challenges for promoting social inclusion. On one hand, AVs have the potential to enhance mobility for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled individuals, and low-income communities. However, concerns persist regarding accessibility, affordability, and algorithmic bias. If AV deployment is driven purely by market forces without regulatory oversight, there is a risk that marginalized groups may be further excluded from the benefits of this technology.
Public Health: The health-related implications of AVs can be categorized into direct and indirect effects. Directly, AVs are expected to reduce traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities due to their superior reaction times and elimination of human error. Indirectly, their impact on physical activity, mental health, and urban air quality must be considered. For instance, increased vehicle use may discourage walking and cycling, while reduced congestion and emissions from electric AVs may lead to better respiratory health. Moreover, changes in travel behavior and land use patterns could influence stress levels, social cohesion, and overall well-being.
Urban Quality of Life: AVs are poised to reshape urban form and livability in profound ways. Potential reductions in parking demand could free up urban land for green spaces, housing, or public facilities. At the same time, if not properly planned, AVs could exacerbate urban sprawl by making longer commutes more convenient. The technology could either enhance or diminish the vibrancy of public spaces, depending on how it is integrated with public transit and pedestrian infrastructure. Therefore, urban planners must proactively engage with these possibilities to steer outcomes toward improved urban life.

In addition to these three categories, the study emphasizes the importance of ethical governance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and citizen participation in shaping AV-related policies. It argues that focusing solely on technological efficiency undermines the broader social mission of urban planning. A human-centered and context-sensitive approach is needed to ensure that AVs contribute to more just, healthy, and livable cities.
 
Conclusion
Autonomous vehicle technology represents more than just a technical advancement; it is a disruptive force with far-reaching consequences for the social fabric of cities. This study highlights that while AVs have the potential to contribute positively to urban equity, public health, and quality of life, realizing these benefits is contingent upon deliberate, inclusive, and forward-thinking policy interventions. It is crucial for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers to move beyond techno-centric narratives and engage with the complex social, ethical, and spatial dimensions of AV integration.
By offering a comprehensive synthesis of current research, this study provides a foundation for future work in urban policy design, impact assessment frameworks, and technology governance in the era of autonomous mobility. As cities navigate the uncertainties of AV adoption, such research becomes essential for aligning innovation with public interest and sustainability.
 
Funding
There is no financial support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.