Below is a repost of an article wrote by the BBC in 2006. This is something we will need to consider as the reality of having a robot in the homestead grows near. The age old question of should robot’s have rights?
Robot rights
The research was commissioned by the UK Office of Science and Innovation’s Horizon Scanning Centre.
The 246 summary papers, called the Sigma and Delta scans, were complied by futures researchers, Outsights-Ipsos Mori partnership and the US-based Institute for the Future (IFTF).
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The reports also explored the future of manned space flight
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The papers look forward at emerging trends in science, health and technology.
The scans explore a diverse range of areas from the future of the gulf stream and the economic rise of India, to developments in nanotechnology and the threat posed by HIV/Aids.
As well as assessing the current state of thinking the research also examines the possible implications for society.
The paper which addresses Robo-rights, titled Utopian dream or rise of the machines? examines the developments in artificial intelligence and how this may impact on law and politics.
The paper says a “monumental shift” could occur if robots develop to the point where they can reproduce, improve themselves or develop artificial intelligence.
The research suggests that at some point in the next 20 to 50 years robots could be granted rights.
If this happened, the report says, the robots would have certain responsibilities such as voting, the obligation to pay taxes, and perhaps serving compulsory military service.
Conversely, society would also have a duty of care to their new digital citizens, the report says.
It also warns that the rise of robots could put a strain on resources and the environment.
“These scans are tools for government to identify risks and opportunities in the future,” said Sir David.
Viewed Online http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6200005.stm
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