Robots are Actor-Networks

Robotic systems increasingly take part in many practices of the everyday life. Technological development and innovation continuously transform fields, including the realm of industrial robotics. However, new sets of possibilities challenge new forms of responsibilities. This paper discusses responsibility and ethics in robotics. Based on three expert talks, three qualitative expert interviews and five qualitative narrative interviews with robotic engineers, it gives three preliminary findings of the research project Collective Ethical Responsibility for Robotic Systems Engineering with Safety & Security (CERSE): 1. Robotics are networks (The term network, used in this paper, does not refer to computer or technological networks, but to the assemblage of interconnected actors [Latour 2010, p. 228] as used in Actor-Network Theory (ANT).) formed by hybrid actors. 2. These networks distribute and (self-)govern responsibility. 3. Engineers call for pro-active reflection and communication to raise awareness. This paper supports a radical transformation of the notion of responsibility within the realms of robotics. In line with the complexity, interconnectedness, and fluidity of robotics, robot ethics must move towards more openness, inclusion, and transdisciplinary research.

Latour, B.: Eine neue Soziologie für eine neue Gesellschaft. Suhrkamp, Frankfurt (2010)