Introduction to Robotics and Ethical Considerations
|Ronen Acharya|
Introduction
Robots are reprogrammable, multifunctional, automatic industrial machines designed to replace human efforts. Robotics is an emerging branch of computer science and an interdisciplinary field that involves the design, programming, development and the applications of robots in real-life world. Robotics is integrated in the STEAM education that includes various technologies such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering. Robotics has applications in multidisciplinary fields such as healthcare, military, agriculture, space-exploration, etc. As of today's date, robotics is a rapidly growing field, as the research, design, and building of new robotics systems is increasing at a rapid phase. The robots have been often seen to mimic human behavior, and can manage the assigned tasks in the same manner. Integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have enabled robots to learn, adapt, and improve their performance.
History
The use of the word ‘robot’ was introduced to the public by Czech writer Karel Capek in his play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots), published in 1920[1]. The play begins in a factory that makes artificial people called robots. Capek was reportedly several times a candidate for the Nobel Prize for his works. Similarly the term ‘robotics’ was first introduced by writer Isaac Asimov in his science fiction book I, Robot, published in 1950[2].
Ethical considerations in Robotics
Asimov in his fiction book proposed three “Laws of Robotics” and later added the “zeroth law” [3]. The laws are as follows:
i. Law 0: A robot may not injure humanity or through inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.
ii. Law 1: A robot may not injure a human being or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm, unless this would violate a higher order.
iii. Law 2: A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with a higher order law.
iv. Law 3: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with a higher order law.These laws serve as fundamental principles in robotics. Additionally, specific regions or countries may have their own laws and regulations pertaining to the use and governance of robotics technology.
Conclusions
Robotics continues to shape the future by enhancing efficiency, safety, and the overall quality of life. Essentially, robots are man-made versions of animal-life that can replicate the human and animal behavior as pre-programmed. By embracing ethical and fostering collaboration, we can harness the potential of robotics to create a positive and sustainable impact on society.
References
1. Wikipedia contributors. (2023). R.U.R. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.U.R.
2. Isaac Asimov | Robotics, Space Exploration and Predicting the Internet. (2023, April 19). Ross Dawson. https://rossdawson.com/futurist/best-futurists-ever/isaac-asimov/
3. Wikipedia contributors. (2023a). Three Laws of Robotics. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Laws_of_Robotics
