Continuing urbanization is resulting in cities with more heat-absorbent surfaces — concrete sidewalks, parking lots and roads paved with asphalt, for instance — that are intensifying the urban heat island effect. With her robot that measures how heat impacts the human body, Ariane Middel is studying ways for cities that face hotter futures to help keep people cool and shielded from the sources of higher temperatures. Middel. an assistant professor in the Fulton Schools and the School of Arts, Media and Engineering, is working with Phoenix and Tempe to create more shade in urban environs.