Link: http://events.ccc.de/congress/2008/Fahrplan/events/2815.en.html

Beyond Asimov - Laws for Robots

Developing rules for autonomous systems

Robotic systems become more and more autonomous, and telepresence develops very rapidly. But what happens if things go wrong? Who is responsible for that autonomous cleaning car murdering tourists? How can you identify the owner of that spy-drone filming you naked at the pool? This talk outlines some ideas to trigger a debate on how to deal with these problems, without stifling innovation and fun.

Asimovs three laws of robotics are the first thing that comes to mind when the "how should robots be regulated" question comes up. However, with the current level of technology these "laws" are irrelevant and can not be implemented. But we need other rules and laws to govern the use of autonomous and telepresence systems. Clear responsibilities need to be defined and enforced, without stifling innovation, development and fun.

The talk will suggest the development of a "P2P TÃœV" system for people and groups who build autonomous and telepresence systems before there are relevant official laws and regulations. The core idea is to think out and test practical ways to cope with the risks and uncertainties, so that there is a relevant body of experiences when the debates about official laws and rules begin. Building on the experience of the experimental aircraft movement, a P2P sanity and safety check system seems to be the right way to do this.

The second part of the talk will discuss possible regulation areas like laws, insurance rules, type approvals and number plates where experiences can be drawn from existing fields of technology regulation like steam engines and cars. Developing a position of the hobbyist and hacker community on robotic law may seem a bit early. But experience shows that technology development is fast and we need to come up with suggestions and ideas before a mad luddite mob does, or hordes of armed robocops roam the streets and skies.