# Future Intelligent Autonomous Robots, Ethical by Design. Learning from Autonomous Cars Ethics

**Authors:** Gordana Dodig-Crnkovic, Tobias Holstein, Patrizio Pelliccione  
**arXiv:** [2107.08122](https://arxiv.org/abs/2107.08122)  
**Date:** 2021-07-16  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2107.08122v1/

## Key points

- Development of intelligent autonomous robot technology holds promise for individuals and societies
- Importance of considering why and what consequences when building disruptive emerging technologies
- Ethics in intelligent autonomous robotic cars as an example of research with practical value
- Collaboration among stakeholders to establish shared understanding of ethical and societal aspects
- Research on robocar ethics can serve as starting point for development of intelligent autonomous robots
- Human-machine interfaces throughout different phases of technology's life cycle should be considered
- Set of values and ethical principles proposed to address challenges in the field
- Recommendations applicable to other types of intelligent autonomous robots as well
- Further research needed on interactions between social robots and users
- Contextual application of existing ethical frameworks by interdisciplinary teams using multi-criteria analysis emphasized
- Continuous development necessary for ethical principles, guidelines, and regulations in response to technological advancements
- Involvement of relevant stakeholders with expertise and perspectives crucial in ongoing process

## Summary

The development of intelligent autonomous robot technology holds the promise of benefiting individuals and societies. When dealing with disruptive emerging technologies like these, it is crucial to consider not only how to build them but also why to build them and what consequences they may have. The field of ethics in intelligent autonomous robotic cars serves as a prime example of research with practical value, bringing together various stakeholders such as the legal system, societal and governmental actors, companies, and businesses. Through collaboration, these stakeholders aim to establish a shared understanding of the ethical and societal aspects of this technology. This research on the ethics of autonomous intelligent robocars can serve as a starting point for the development of intelligent autonomous robots in general. It takes into account human-machine interfaces throughout different phases of technology's life cycle including development, implementation, testing, use and disposal. By drawing from existing literature on robotics ethics and their own work on robocar ethics, the authors propose a set of values and ethical principles that address identified challenges in this field. These recommendations can be applied not only to autonomous cars but also to other types of intelligent autonomous robots. However, it is important to note that social robots require further research regarding their interactions with users. The authors emphasize that existing ethical frameworks should be applied contextually by interdisciplinary teams using multi-criteria analysis. Furthermore, continuous development is necessary for ethical principles, guidelines and regulations in response to technological advancements. This ongoing process should involve relevant stakeholders who can contribute their expertise and perspectives. In summary, this paper highlights the importance of considering ethics in the development of intelligent autonomous robots. By providing a set of values and ethical principles along with proposed approaches for meeting challenges in this field, stakeholders can better connect ethical principles with real-world applications. The authors stress the need for context-sensitive application through interdisciplinary assessments and argue for continuous development informed by technological progress and involving relevant stakeholders.