Academic

Ethical governance is essential to building trust in robotics and artificial intelligence systems

This paper explores the question of ethical governance for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. We outline a roadmap—which links a number of elements, including ethics, standards, regulation, responsible research and innovation, and public engagement—as a framework to guide ethical governance in robotics and AI. We argue that ethical governance is essential to building public trust in robotics and AI, and conclude by proposing five pillars of good ethical governance. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Governing artificial intelligence: ethical, legal, and technical opportunities and challenges’.

A
Alan Winfield
· · 1 min read · 13 views

This paper explores the question of ethical governance for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. We outline a roadmap—which links a number of elements, including ethics, standards, regulation, responsible research and innovation, and public engagement—as a framework to guide ethical governance in robotics and AI. We argue that ethical governance is essential to building public trust in robotics and AI, and conclude by proposing five pillars of good ethical governance. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Governing artificial intelligence: ethical, legal, and technical opportunities and challenges’.

Executive Summary

This article highlights the significance of ethical governance in developing trust in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The authors propose a comprehensive framework consisting of ethics, standards, regulation, responsible research and innovation, and public engagement to guide ethical governance. They emphasize that building public trust is crucial for the successful integration of robotics and AI in various sectors. The article concludes by outlining five pillars of good ethical governance. This roadmap provides a valuable starting point for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers seeking to navigate the complex ethics and governance challenges associated with emerging technologies.

Key Points

  • The importance of ethical governance in building trust in robotics and AI systems
  • A proposed roadmap for ethical governance in robotics and AI
  • Five pillars of good ethical governance outlined by the authors

Merits

Comprehensive Framework

The article provides a well-structured and inclusive framework for ethical governance, addressing various aspects of robotics and AI development.

Emphasis on Public Engagement

The authors emphasize the importance of public engagement in building trust in robotics and AI systems, recognizing the need for transparency and accountability.

Demerits

Limited Case Studies

The article could benefit from more concrete case studies or examples to illustrate the application of the proposed framework in real-world scenarios.

Need for Further Clarification on Pillars

The five pillars of good ethical governance outlined by the authors require more detailed explanation and clarification to provide a clear understanding of their implementation.

Expert Commentary

The article's emphasis on the importance of ethical governance in robotics and AI development is well-founded, given the rapidly evolving nature of these technologies. The proposed framework provides a valuable starting point for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to navigate the complex ethics and governance challenges associated with emerging technologies. However, further research is needed to explore the practical implementation of the five pillars of good ethical governance outlined by the authors. Additionally, the article's focus on public engagement and accountability highlights the need for more transparency and collaboration between stakeholders in the robotics and AI ecosystem.

Recommendations

  • Future research should focus on the practical implementation of the proposed framework and explore case studies of successful ethical governance in robotics and AI development.
  • Industry leaders and policymakers should prioritize transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of robotics and AI systems.

Sources