Artificial intelligence in the design of the transitions to sustainable food systems

Food systems and our ability to secure food and nutrition for current and future generations is challenged by population growth, climate change, resource depletion and pollution. The current agricultural and supply chain systems are one of the main contributors to the issues. Transformational, not incremental change is needed to transition to sustainable food systems capable of feeding close to 10 billion people in less than 30 years. Artificial intelligence (AI) is pervading all parts of food systems in ways that indicate transformative system changes are possible. Designers, as mediators between people, technology and the environment have a responsibility to recognise and reflect on ways AI could bring the change needed to move to sustainable food systems. This literature review is situated at the intersection of Food systems, Design, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability. The transdisciplinary approach reveals what exists across the disciplines, what can be done with AI to transition to sustainable food systems, how Design proposes to approach the change, and which ethical or philosophical considerations start to emerge. The discussion reflects on AI as a potential leverage point to bring changes in the system and on the designer's role in establishing the human-technology-environmental relationships. Further research and recommendations are provided. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.