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In a sustainable economic model, energy and material resources are limited. How would robotics need to be adapted to this model in order to play a useful role? This paper is an attempt at exploring the concepts for the role for robotics in sustainable development. Industrial robotics is often associated with an unsustainable economic model. However, robotics also provides qualitative benefits through its precision, strength, sensing capabilities and computing power. New applications and deployment models can be devised that improve sustainability and quality of life. These may require new approaches to the design of robots, robot-using systems and IT systems that employ methods of robotics and AI. Robotics for sustainable development is an exciting challenge where research, education and industry in both developed and developing countries can equally contribute and benefit.