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2017 | Buch

A World with Robots

International Conference on Robot Ethics: ICRE 2015

herausgegeben von: Maria Isabel Aldinhas Ferreira, Joao Silva Sequeira, Mohammad Osman Tokhi, Endre E. Kadar, Gurvinder Singh Virk

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : Intelligent Systems, Control and Automation: Science and Engineering

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SUCHEN

Über dieses Buch

This book contains the Proceedings of the International Conference on Robot Ethics, held in Lisbon on October 23 and 24, 2015. The conference provided a multidisciplinary forum for discussing central and evolving issues concerning safety and ethics that have arisen in various contexts where robotic technologies are being applied. The papers are intended to promote the formulation of more precise safety standards and ethical frameworks for the rapidly changing field of robotic applications. The conference was held at Pavilhão do Conhecimento/Ciência Viva in Lisbon and brought together leading researchers and industry representatives, promoting a dialogue that combines different perspectives and experiences to arrive at viable solutions for ethical problems in the context of robotics.

The conference topics included but were not limited to emerging ethical, safety, legal and societal problems in the following domains:

• Service/Social Robots: Robots performing tasks in human environments and involving close human-robot interactions in everyday households; robots for education and entertainment; and robots employed in elderly and other care applications

• Mobile Robots: Self-driving vehicles, autonomous aircraft, trains, cars and drones

• Robots used in medicine and for therapeutic purposes

• Robots used in surveillance and military functions

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Selected Contributions

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Networks of Social and Moral Norms in Human and Robot Agents
Abstract
The most intriguing and ethically challenging roles of robots in society are those of collaborator and social partner. We propose that such robots must have the capacity to learn, represent, activate, and apply social and moral norms—they must have a norm capacity. We offer a theoretical analysis of two parallel questions: what constitutes this norm capacity in humans and how might we implement it in robots? We propose that the human norm system has four properties: flexible learning despite a general logical format, structured representations, context-sensitive activation, and continuous updating. We explore two possible models that describe how norms are cognitively represented and activated in context-specific ways and draw implications for robotic architectures that would implement either model.
B. F. Malle, M. Scheutz, J. L. Austerweil
Chapter 2. Perceived Autonomy of Robots: Effects of Appearance and Context
Abstract
Due to advances in technology, the world around us contains an increasing number of robots, virtual agents, and other intelligent systems. These systems all have a certain degree of autonomy. For the people who interact with an intelligent system it is important to obtain a good understanding of its degree of autonomy: what tasks can the system perform autonomously and to what extent? In this paper we therefore present a study on how a system’s characteristics affect people’s perception of its autonomy. This was investigated by asking fire-fighters to rate the autonomy of a number of search and rescue robots in different shapes and situations. In this paper, we identify the following seven aspects of perceived autonomy: time interval of interaction, obedience, informativeness, task complexity, task implication, physical appearance, and physical distance to human operator. The study showed that increased disobedience, task complexity and physical distance of a robot can increase perceived autonomy.
Maaike Harbers, Marieke M. M. Peeters, Mark A. Neerincx
Chapter 3. Formalizing Complex Normative Decisions with Predicate Logic and Graph Databases
Abstract
This paper argues that the critical work in deontic reasoning is better done in the knowledge representation rather than the reasoning of a normative system. It describes a way to formalize complex normative decisions using predicate logic and graph databases. Simple norms can be mechanized with IF/THEN statements. While often expressed in deontic logic, such statements can be expressed in simpler predicate logic. More complex normative decisions require the ability to make decisions where there are multiple clashing duties. Such decisions could be formalized in graph databases that express state-act transition relations, causal relations, classification relations and evaluation relations. When formalizing complex normative decisions it is more powerful and practical to draw upon concepts from multiple moral theories rather than restricting the system to a single theory. A normative system with extensive knowledge representation of complex relations might be able to pass a series of reasonable person tests. Passing such tests rather than implementing a particular moral theory should be the main design aim of normative systems.
Sean Welsh
Chapter 4. A 21st-Century Ethical Hierarchy for Robots and Persons:
Abstract
I introduce and propose the ethical hierarchy (\(\mathscr {E \! H}\)) into which can be placed robots and humans in general. This hierarchy is catalyzed by the question: Can robots be more moral than humans? The light shed by \(\mathscr {E \! H}\) reveals why an emphasis on legal obligation for robots, while not unwise at the moment, is inadequate, and why at least the vast majority of today’s state-of-the-art deontic logics are morally inexpressive, whether they are intended to formalize the ethical behavior of robots or persons.
Selmer Bringsjord
Chapter 5. Robots and Free Software
Abstract
This article examines whether the arguments put forward by Free Software advocates in the context of computers also apply for robots. It summarises their key arguments and explores whether or not they appear transferable to robot cases. Doing so, it comes to the conclusion that, in the majority of cases, the reasons that may make the use of Free Software over proprietary software preferable in other technologies, equally apply in the case of robots.
Wilhelm E. J. Klein
Chapter 6. An Intervening Ethical Governor for a Robot Mediator in Patient-Caregiver Relationships
Abstract
Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience challenges when interacting with caregivers due to their declining control over their musculature. To remedy those challenges, a robot mediator can be used to assist in the relationship between PD patients and their caregivers. In this context, a variety of ethical issues can arise. To overcome one issue in particular, providing therapeutic robots with a robot architecture that can ensure patients’ and caregivers’ dignity is of potential value. In this paper, we describe an intervening ethical governor for a robot that enables it to ethically intervene, both to maintain effective patient-caregiver relationships and prevent the loss of dignity.
Jaeeun Shim, Ronald C. Arkin
Chapter 7. Exploring the Ethical Landscape of Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue
Abstract
As robots are increasingly used in Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, it becomes highly relevant to study how SAR robots can be developed and deployed in a responsible way. In contrast to some other robot application domains, e.g. military and healthcare, the ethics of robot-assisted SAR are relatively under examined. This paper aims to fill this gap by assessing and analyzing important values and value tensions of stakeholders of SAR robots. The paper describes the outcomes of several Value Assessment workshops that were conducted with rescue workers, in the context of a European research project on robot-assisted SAR (the TRADR project). The workshop outcomes are analyzed and key ethical concerns and dilemmas are identified and discussed. Several recommendations for future ethics research leading to responsible development and deployment of SAR robots are provided.
Maaike Harbers, Joachim de Greeff, Ivana Kruijff-Korbayová, Mark A. Neerincx, Koen V. Hindriks
Chapter 8. Reporting Robot Ethics for Children-Robot Studies in Contemporary Peer Reviewed Papers
Abstract
How are robot ethics described in peer-reviewed papers for children-robot studies? Do publications refer to robot ethics such as: (a) gaining children’s assent, (b) providing a robot’s description prior to data collection, (c) having a robot exposure phase before data collection and (d) informing children about a robot’s semi-autonomy or not? A total of 27 peer-reviewed papers with an average impact factor of 1.8 were analysed. 63 % of the studies did not state any ethical procedures followed. In eight studies children gave their assent for the experiment; six studies described the robot to children prior to data collection; two studies provided a robot exposure phase prior to data collection and one study informed children that robots are operated machines. The outcomes indicate problematic applications of robot ethics in peer-reviewed journals and the necessity for the publishing industry to consider stricter actions on this aspect of a publication.
M. Kyriakidou, K. Padda, L. Parry
Chapter 9. A Typology of Liability Rules for Robot Harms
Abstract
This paper considers non-contractual liability for harms caused by (artificially) intelligent systems. It provides a typology of different ways to approach the liability issue, exemplified by some new technologies that have been, or are about to be, introduced into human society. The paper argues that the traditional robot-as-tool perspective should be maintained, but warns that this might not be possible unless we develop corresponding technologies for efficient responsibility tracking. Specifically, new techniques need to be developed, at the intersection between computer science and law, to support reasoning about the liability implications when autonomous technologies interact with their environment and cause harms.
Sjur Dyrkolbotn
Chapter 10. Safety and Ethical Concerns in Mixed Human-Robot Control of Vehicles
Abstract
Many robotic applications require human-like behaviour of an artificial agent and quite often include mixed (human-robot) control set-up for effective operation and to meet regulatory requirements. Developing such systems with high level of autonomy implies a good understanding and variability of human behaviour. One of the most popular areas of research in robotics with mixed control is to develop self-driving cars that are able to participate in normal traffic scenarios and acceptable under established risk management processes. In Berlin, some cars have already been licensed, but manufacturing driverless cars is more difficult than usually assumed. This is mostly because vehicular control should be human-like to avoid confusing pedestrians, passengers or other human drivers. Among the many difficulties to achieve human-like control in ensuring safety requirements are satisfied as well as being ethically acceptable, the problem of identifying and calibrating control parameters is far more complex than traditional control and systems theory alone would be able to handle. The paper provides insights into the difficulties of autonomous and mixed vehicle control and generally warns about the theoretical and ethical consequences of our limited understanding of human performance issues in car driving.
Endre E. Kadar, Anna Köszeghy, Gurvinder Singh Virk
Chapter 11. Leader-Follower Strategies for Robot-Human Collaboration
Abstract
This paper considers the impact that robot collaboration strategies have on their human collaborators. In particular, we are interested in how robot leader/follower strategies affect perceived safety and perceived intelligence, which, we argue, are essential for establishing trust and enabling true collaboration between human and robot. We propose an experiment which will enable us to evaluate the impact of leader/follower collaboration strategies on perceived safety and intelligence.
L. Beton, P. Hughes, S. Barker, M. Pilling, L. Fuente, N. T. Crook
Chapter 12. Industrial Robot Ethics: The Challenges of Closer Human Collaboration in Future Manufacturing Systems
Abstract
As a result of significant advances in information and communications technology the manufacturing industry is facing revolutionary changes whereby production processes will become increasingly digitised and interconnected cyber-physical systems. A key component of these new complex systems will be intelligent automation and human-robot collaboration. Industrial robots have traditionally been segregated from people in manufacturing systems because of the dangers posed by their operational speeds and heavy payloads. However, advances in technology mean that we will soon see large-scale robots being deployed to work more closely and collaboratively with people in monitored manufacturing sytems and widespread introduction of small-scale robots and assistive robotic devices. This will not only transform the way people are expected to work and interact with automation but will also involve much more data provision and capture for performance monitoring. This paper discusses the background to these developments and the anticipated ethical issues that we now face as people and robots become able to work collaboratively in industry.
S. R. Fletcher, P. Webb
Chapter 13. Clarifying the Language of Lethal Autonomy in Military Robots
Abstract
Many argue that robots should not make the decision to kill humans and thus call for a ban on “killer robots” or lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). However lethal decision making is complex and requires detailed analysis to define what is to be banned or regulated. It is common to make distinctions between in the loop, on the loop and off the loop LAWS. It is also common to refer to the “critical functions” of selecting and engaging targets. In this paper I propose two extra LAWS types. A Type 0 LAWS is an RPV with “no robot on the lethal loop.” A Type 4 LAWS is a robot that has gone “beyond human control” and has “no human in the loop.” Types 1–3 are the familiar in, on and off the loop LAWS. I also define a third “critical function” namely defining the targeting criteria. The aim is to clarify what exactly is meant by “meaningful human control” of a LAWS and to facilitate wording such as might occur in a Protocol VI to be added to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW).
Sean Welsh
Chapter 14. Safety Issues of the Portuguese Military Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the safety issues of the Portuguese Military Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), namely the human error, integration into regulated common national airspace (considering the rules of air) and the airworthiness certification aspects. The Autoridade Aeronáutica Nacional (AAN) safety requirements for the RPAS airworthiness certification and operation authorization processes are presented. This paper also brings out the safety assessment methodology by addressing its application to the Antex-X02 RPAS, a platform under development by the Portuguese Air Force Academy. The result of the safety assessment has contributed to obtain a Permit to Fly, a clearance issued by the AAN.
Delfim Dores, Ana Baltazar, Teresa Cabral, Isabel Machado, Paula Gonçalves
Chapter 15. Robots and the Military: A Strategic View
Abstract
This paper views the theme of robotics in the military domain from a strategic perspective, bearing in mind the new paradigm of security and defense, where robots will have an increasing intervention. Considering the trilogy that strategy comprehends—goals, means and threats, three fundamental topics are approached: (i) the need to work at political, strategical, operational and tactical levels (ii) the role of robots in the new security and defense environment (iii) the importance of incorporating robots in the military formation. As a conclusion, this paper also highlights the importance of introducing the major issues associated with robots, from artificial intelligence to robot ethics, in the curricula, research and training carried out at military schools with the purpose of preparing military commanders for a future where robots will most likely have a prominent role.
João Vieira Borges
Chapter 16. The Domestic Robot: Ethical and Technical Concerns
Abstract
In the present paper we want to highlight the importance for the social/service robotics designer of being aware of the potential ethical and safety issues that may arise from the development of humanoid robots functioning as companions. After a short description of a possible use case, dedicated to the assistance of an elderly person, we identify the main concerns from the safety and ethical point of views and propose ways on how to prevent risks.
Rodolphe Gelin
Chapter 17. Robots in Ageing Societies
Abstract
Addressing the topic of ageing societies, the present paper stresses the importance of preserving the autonomy, social participation and affective bonds of elders. Claiming that maintaining the social and affective ties that link someone to their home environment and to their close family and friends is fundamental for physical and mental health, and consequently for extended years of life with quality, the authors identify the potential benefits of assistive/domestic robots adverting to the potential ethical issues to be safeguarded.
Maria Isabel Aldinhas Ferreira, João Silva Sequeira

Associated Events

Frontmatter
Chapter 18. Nós e Os Robots/Os Robots e Nós: Insights from an Exhibition
Abstract
Being an integrant part of ICRE 2015, the exhibition “Nós e os Robots/Os Robots e Nós”, “We and the Robots/The Robots and Us” aimed to bring robotic technology closer to the average citizen in an educational effort that, we believe, should precede the massive deployment of all Information and Communication Technologies and that becomes particularly needed at the verge of a widespread use of robotic technology. This paper gives a brief account of the content and organization of that exhibition and of how the public reacted to it.
Rodrigo Ventura, Maria Isabel Aldinhas Ferreira
Chapter 19. The Robot Steps In: From Normative to Prospective Ethics
Abstract
The present paper reports the role played by the cinema cycle associated to the International Conference on Robot Ethics (ICRE 2015), that was open to the general public. Reflecting on the grounding motivations leading to this international conference, the paper analyses the role played by fiction and film industry in the definition and anticipation of a future world where humans and intelligent machines will coexist.
José Manuel Martins
Backmatter
Metadaten
Titel
A World with Robots
herausgegeben von
Maria Isabel Aldinhas Ferreira
Joao Silva Sequeira
Mohammad Osman Tokhi
Endre E. Kadar
Gurvinder Singh Virk
Copyright-Jahr
2017
Electronic ISBN
978-3-319-46667-5
Print ISBN
978-3-319-46665-1
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46667-5

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