Robot Revolution Raises Urgent Societal Issues Not Addressed by Policy

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Professor Noel Sharkey, co-founder and chair of the FRR executive board said, “We are rushing headlong into the robotics revolution without consideration for the many unforeseen problems lying around the corner. It is time now to step back and think hard about the future of the technology before it sneaks up and bites us when we are least expecting it. We must strive for responsible and accountable developments in robotics without stifling innovation.”

Progress and innovation in robotics research

FRR is also concerned about maintaining progress and innovation in robotics research. If it is to be sustainable, public trust must be engendered. The public needs to be assured that new developments will be created responsibly and with due consideration of their human rights and freedom of choice. Early mistakes could set the field back by many years and stifle research.

Foundation for Responsible Robotics

It is difficult for policy makers and the legislators to keep up with the rapidly emerging developments and so it is vitally important that the scientists, researchers and manufacturers develop a socially responsible attitude to their work. It is for reasons like these that more than 20 of the world’s leading emerging technology thinkers have come formed the Foundation for Responsible Robotics to bring the various communities together to offer advice and guidance.

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