The development of humanoid robotics and the continuous use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our day-to-day routines has raised many ethical concerns. While it’s true that they hold significant promise for improving the efficiency and output of our day-to-day work, it’s important that ethical issues are addressed to ensure they are developed responsibly. Strict laws must be put in place, just like those governing the Vulkan Vegas casino and the iGaming industry at large, to protect users.
This article looks at some of these ethical challenges and measures that can be used to ensure users are well protected from humanoid robots.
What Are Humanoid Robots?
To better understand the ethical challenges associated with humanoid robots, it’s best to know what they are. These are robots that resemble and perform duties like human beings. They are engineered to imitate genuine human expressions, movements, and interactions. They are usually fitted with several sensors, cameras, AI, and machine learning technologies.
Humanoids are learning and adjusting faster than ever before. They are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to observe, sense, strategize, and autonomously execute sophisticated tasks. They are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, actuators, and on-robot software that help them move and relate with human beings.
Ethical Challenges Posed With Humanoids
Humanoid’s moral issues are some of the difficult challenges that arise from the interaction between robots and human moral values. Such predicaments are the cases where robots have replaced human beings in certain areas of life, leading to a decreased quality of life. Some of these challenges include:
· Job displacement;
· Human interaction;
· Unethical use;
· Transparency and deception.
Job Displacement
One of the objectives of automation-focused companies is to effectively and efficiently reduce the workloads of their workforce while significantly improving productivity. To achieve this, many of them have sought the services of humanoids, which can not only complete the work faster but also efficiently.
According to a report published by the BBC, it is estimated that every robot being used in lower-skilled regions will result in roughly twice as many job losses compared to areas where there is high skill. This will increase the already-growing political polarization and economic disparity.
Countries that have a higher proportion of low-skilled workers, which are mostly characterized by higher unemployment rates and poorer economies, are more susceptible to job loss due to robots.
Interference With Human Interactions
Humanoids in the customer support department have been thought to improve and streamline service delivery in general. They’ve been known to handle routine inquiries, take orders from customers, and track deliveries. This way, they can free ‘valuable’ human time, which can be redirected to other areas of the service.
This is the common narrative and why many companies justify using humanoids in the customer support department of their organization. In reality, it is far from the truth. Many customers feel the use of humanoids in delivering customer support services is uncalled for. These chatbots lack the empathy and human understanding that is crucial in the delivery of customer support services.
Unethical Use of Humanoids
Since time immemorial, war has raised several crucial ethical dilemmas. The dawn of autonomous (self-controlled) robots in the Russia-Ukraine war has presented new questions for scholars looking into humanoids and ethics.
Many of these scholars believe the recent developments and advancements in humanoids and autonomous robots, as well as AI, has changed how wars are being won. Because the humanoids and robots are not physiologically handicapped, they can operate without food, water, and sleep. This helps them move in ways that people cannot, and hence gives a tactical advantage to the side with the most advanced technology.
From an ethical point of view, many people feel there will be a time when these humanoids and robots will advance to levels where we humans cannot control them. At the time of writing this review, the US military doctrine states that only human beings have the power to make the decision to kill. However, it’s not difficult to see this doctrine eroding depending on events on the ground.
Transparency and Deception
Imagine a scenario where a humanoid robot is working in a nursing home, taking care of elderly patients. Is it ethical for this robot to hold back its artificial nature in pursuit of maintaining trust with the patient?
Or is transparency about its limitations important? There must be clear-cut laws that dictate when and how humanoid robots will disclose their AI nature.
Building Trust and Ensuring Ethical Use of Humanoids
To foster user trust and justify the ethical use of humanoids, the Artificial Intelligence algorithms must be transparent, and this will help users better understand the decision-making process of robots, which promotes trust and accountability.
Preserving privacy is also important since robots usually process and store huge chunks of personal information and data. Developers are required to ensure their humanoids adhere to ethical guidelines. This helps them maintain accountability and protect user privacy. The process involves striking a balance between data-driven insights and the protection of personal data.