Robots to be programmed with 'code of morals' so they won't attack humans

The Daily Mail
Mar. 09, 2007

The next generation of 'intelligent' robots are to be programmed with a code of morals to ensure they do not attack humans.

Scientists have warned scenes straight from science fiction films in which machines turn on men were a real danger unless robots had built-in 'ethics' microchips.

Robots should also be fitted with prominent on-off buttons so humans can disable them in case of 'emergency', scientists said.

Experts in South Korea and Japan, where the latest thinking robots are being built, said the moral code for robots would be based on the Three Laws of Robotics created by science fiction writier Isaac Asimov in 1940.

The laws state:

1. Robots must never harm human beings or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. Robots must follow instructions from humans without violating rule 1.

3. Robots must protect themselves without violating the other rules.

Park Hye-Young, responsible for robotics at the South Korean industry ministry said: "Robots are becoming more and more intelligent every year to the point where they are virtually thinking for themselves.

"One of their main uses will be as helpers to humans, and we believe particularly for the elderly and infirm who may need constant assistance.

"But they are also the most vulnerable and would be in grave danger if a robot turned on them. It sounds like science fiction, but it could really happen.

"For this reason we need a code of ethics which all robots manufacturers must build into their machines. The starting point for these ethics should be Isaac Asimovs three laws."

Japan's trade and industry ministry is also backing the moral code based of Asimov's laws.

And it is urging maufacturers to install extra sensors into robots to stop them bumping into people, and to build them from lighter and softer materials to prevent injury when they do.