Can Robots and Humans cooperate in the future, and what are the ethics in society? what will the future look like? We will stop existing.

Susie Barber

Introduction:

Integrating robots into human society creates a complex web of potential, ethical, and even existential issues. Indeed, robots and artificial intelligence are advancing so rapidly that it sometimes seems as if we're living in a science fiction novel. This leads to an obvious question: What happens when robots become not just our colleagues but our potential replacements? The integration of robots into our daily lives necessitates a nuanced ethical framework that prioritizes human welfare while acknowledging the transformative potential of these technologies. One crucial aspect of this framework is the establishment of clear guidelines and regulations that ensure robots serve to augment human capabilities rather than replace them, fostering a collaborative environment where both entities can thrive. However, to effectively implement such guidelines, it is essential to engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including ethicists, technologists, policymakers, and the general public, in ongoing dialogue and decision-making processes. Furthermore, it is imperative to consider the potential societal impacts of AI and robotics, such as changes in human relationships and employment dynamics, which necessitate a reevaluation of existing ethical frameworks to ensure equitable benefit-sharing and prevent worker exploitation.

The relationship between humans and robots and the "redefinition of social roles" that could occur with the coming of machines that have autonomy and the ability to make decisions are topics of intense discussion among ethicists and scholars from a range of fields [3]. Some are excited by the potential for robots to act as our companions, while others point to the possible dangers of robot-human interaction. Meanwhile, the fundamental changes that might occur to our "social roles" could have a significant impact on our way of life. The prospect of a "society with robots" is not just a simple technological advancement; it's something that could alter the very nature of human existence [4].

Future Co-existence Of Humans And Robots:

The potential for humans and robots to coexist hinges on more than just technological advances. It also requires society to accept and trust robots and to figure out whether and how to endow them with autonomy and human rights. As we grapple with these challenges, it becomes imperative to establish a robust ethical framework that guides the integration of robots into our everyday lives while safeguarding human interests and societal values.

The future coexistence of humans and robots is a technological and societal issue with an enormous ethical dimension. As robots increasingly become part of our daily lives, the question of what rights they possess, or should possess, looms ever larger.

The ethical and societal implications of a future where robots and humans coexist go well beyond mere functionality. They encompass a shift in the dynamics of employment and interpersonal relations.

This essay will explore the kinds of ethical challenges that a more robotified future could bring. Furthermore, the integration of robots into human society raises critical questions about autonomy and decision-making authority, prompting a reevaluation of our moral responsibilities towards these entities (Torresen, 2018). Acknowledging these challenges invites a deeper consideration of how our legal systems might evolve to accommodate entities that, while not human, play integral roles in society (Orzes, 2023). As we navigate this evolving landscape, it becomes imperative to establish comprehensive ethical frameworks that address these challenges, ensuring that both humans and robots can thrive in a shared environment.

The human-robot coexistence society is a thoroughly functional one. But what good is it if some of us are out of a job? If this isn't a fair distribution, it will be a troublesome society with a plenteous supply of robots and artificially intelligent systems but with a population that is partly out of work and without much money. The changes will affect not just the working poor but also the middle class. And the changed society will have a different feel to it.

The prospect of humans and robots living together harmoniously is an appealing one, yet it is fraught with ethical dilemmas and social changes. We must balance technological novelty with ethical considerations if we are to create a future where both humans and robots can thrive side by side. If we achieve this balance, the rewards will be immense, as we will have redefined what it means to be human in a world where the mere presence of humans is no longer essential for performing many tasks.

Ethical Implications Of Robot Integration:

Integrating robots into human society involves ethical considerations that are both deep and varied. They represent a mixture of technological progress, moral reasoning, and social standards. As solutions from the field of artificial intelligence (AI) become more autonomous and capable of doing the kinds of things that we associate with human intelligence, we must ask what kinds of responsibilities we have toward these entities. The rapidly expanding field of AI has prompted many to ask whether robots should be granted some kind of rights or legal status that would allow them to possess rights of their own. It is a debate that has been likened to the struggle for the rights of people of colour, the rights of women, and the rights of gay people. Yet it must be acknowledged that if we have reached this point, it is because of the very nature of AI itself, which seems to beg for some kind of moral consideration.

Furthermore, as we contemplate the integration of robots into our society, it becomes crucial to develop a comprehensive ethical framework that addresses these challenges while ensuring that technological advancements align with human values and societal well-being. Developing such a framework not only requires interdisciplinary collaboration among ethicists, technologists, and policymakers but also demands an ongoing dialogue with the public to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered and respected. Moreover, this framework should be flexible enough to adapt to the evolving capabilities of AI systems and the unforeseen ethical dilemmas they may present in the future.

The potential for AI systems to make decisions that could profoundly affect human lives is already with us and raises a series of critical questions about accountability. If a robot makes a decision that results in human harm, who, exactly, is responsible for that decision? Is it the programmer who designed the algorithm, the manufacturer who built the machine, or the machine itself? We need a robust ethical framework to answer those questions. Assigning blame isn’t enough; we have to delineate responsibility in clear and understandable ways. And that’s especially necessary when we’re talking about autonomous machines—machines that, purportedly, can decide for themselves.

The accountability questions that AI raises are pressing because we are already putting robots in positions of authority, in hospitals, in factories, even in offices, where they are likely to displace human workers. That makes what they do, and why they do it, of paramount importance, given the still enormous and growing economic inequality in the United States. The ethical challenges surrounding AI and robotics require comprehensive policy interventions that address both immediate concerns and long-term societal impacts. As we advance towards a future where AI and robotics are integral to our daily lives, establishing clear ethical guidelines is not merely an academic exercise but a societal imperative.

Apart from job-related issues, bringing robots into everyday existence might fundamentally change how humans relate to each other. If robots are designed to serve as companions, and even more so, if they are designed to fulfill humans' emotional needs, can we expect the same kind of interaction with them as we have with humans? And can a relationship with a machine ever feel the same as a relationship with a person? These are perplexing questions for some, who see robots as a threat to humanity's core values and social structures (Bai, 2024). Nevertheless, the idea of robots in our society keeps our imaginations running and our concerns about what next—what's to come in this ever-advancing world of technology.

Societal Changes In A Robotic Era:

Robotics is set to revolutionize society, notably in how we live, work, and communicate. As robots become ever more common in everyday life, their functions will expand beyond being simple tools to working alongside us and even forming emotional connections with us, something that is already happening in some areas. Indeed, robots are already part of the "extended family" in many homes, and they are workmates in some workplaces. Still, here's something for us to ponder: What happens to the "human family" when robots join the mix? What happens to our forms of social interaction when robots become a part of our society (Bai, 2024)?

Furthermore, the economic environment is set to be even more severely disrupted by automation. While it will boost productivity in many sectors, it also holds the potential to throw a lot of people out of work. This could very well happen on the large scale that many commentators now foresee, provided that we do nothing about it. But we could also take advantage of the situation. We could increase the efficiency of labor in all kinds of industries and thereby swell the bottom lines of businesses—private or public—so much that the fruits of a more productive economy could be shared with the displaced (Torresen, 2018). This would, of course, require the taxation of businesses.

The economy of the future, which seems set to be even more "disruptive," may call for a new system of socially shared supports and benefits to be put in place for all those who find themselves on the "wrong" side of a robot (Dallasega, 2020).

The everyday presence of robots could alter our cultural understanding of "relationships." If robots can be friendly and even aid in caregiving, what happens to the human interaction that defines friendships and relationships? And if "relationship" might indeed be a term to apply to them, can we draw any clear lines of distinction between human interaction and machine interaction? Philosophically, this evolution forces us to confront age-old questions about the essence of our being. If a machine can do much of what we can and, in some cases, do it better, are we still justified in seeing ourselves as unique—and in what way? (Orzes, 2023)

In sum, dealing with these societal shifts mandates a close examination of ethical frameworks that work to uphold human dignity in the face of technological advancement. The problem is not integrating robots into society, but maintaining a delicate balance that ensures humanity itself is not lost in the process. This is a particularly urgent concern given that much of this will occur under the watchful eyes of the very next generation. The challenge is to ensure that these advancements do not lead us down a path where human relevance diminishes, potentially paving the way for our extinction—a concern echoed by many scholars and futurists (Torresen, 2018). Furthermore, as we navigate this intricate landscape, it becomes imperative to develop ethical frameworks that not only anticipate potential risks but also guide us toward a future where both humans and robots can coexist without compromising the core values of human society.

It is, in effect, a problem of socialization. In this light, it becomes crucial to develop a framework that not only accommodates technological innovation but also prioritizes the preservation of human agency and societal values (Torresen, 2018). As such, any ethical framework we adopt must be robust enough to accommodate not only the technological advancements but also the societal shifts they bring about, ensuring that human values and dignity remain at the forefront of this evolving landscape. It is this very complexity that demands a thoughtful dialogue about how ethical considerations can be woven into the fabric of technological progress, ensuring that our future remains one where humans and robots not only coexist but thrive together in a symbiotic relationship. In this context, fostering a symbiotic relationship between humans and robots demands an ethical framework that respects human dignity while acknowledging the transformative potential of robotics and AI (Torresen, 2018).

This endeavour not only calls for an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from technology, ethics, and sociology but also necessitates ongoing dialogue to adapt to the evolving dynamics between humans and machines (Bai, 2024). This necessitates an ethical framework that is dynamic and adaptive, capable of evolving alongside technological advancements to ensure a balanced future where both humans and robots contribute positively to society's growth.

Potential For Human Extinction:

The chilling idea of humanity facing extinction due to the rise of robotics and AI is not something we can just dismiss as science fiction. It's a very real and unsettling prospect. Indeed, some of the most prominent and respected minds in the world today have warned about the risks associated with developing these technologies. Stephen Hawking, for instance, has said that the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race. Elon Musk has also voiced similar concerns, warning that superintelligent AI could surpass human intelligence and lead to unfathomable changes in society. In 2014, the two, along with many other prominent scientists and technologists, signed an open letter warning of the dangers associated with developing these technologies (Torresen, 2018).

While the potential for catastrophic outcomes exists, it is crucial to pursue a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of AI and robotics while mitigating risks through robust ethical frameworks and regulatory oversight. A comprehensive understanding of these ethical challenges, combined with proactive policy-making, could potentially safeguard humanity from the darker possibilities of AI and robotics (Torresen, 2018). By establishing ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks, we can forge a path toward coexistence that leverages the strengths of both humans and robots, ensuring technological advancements serve to enhance rather than endanger human life. This balanced approach not only emphasizes the importance of collaboration between humans and robots but also calls for ongoing dialogue among technologists, ethicists, and policymakers to continually assess and refine these frameworks as technology evolves.

This forward-thinking strategy recognises that as technology continues to evolve, so too must our ethical considerations and legal frameworks adapt to address the dynamic interplay between human and robotic entities (Orzes, 2023). This ongoing evolution of ethics and law is crucial as we navigate the potential societal transformations that may arise from human-robot cohabitation. As we explore these potential futures, it becomes imperative to establish robust ethical guidelines that ensure the harmonious integration of robots into human society, safeguarding against scenarios where technological advancements could inadvertently lead to adverse consequences for humanity (Torresen, 2018). As we contemplate a future where humans and robots coexist, it is imperative to consider the ethical frameworks necessary to ensure that this relationship does not inadvertently threaten human existence or societal values. To achieve this, we must address and mitigate the ethical concerns surrounding potential power imbalances and the autonomy of robotic systems in human environments.

The inclusion of robots in essential areas like defense and healthcare also poses significant moral questions about accountability and supervision. If we are to assign autonomous systems the task of making life-or-death decisions, whether on the battlefield or in the emergency room, how much trust can we place in these machines? What happens when they err, as machines are bound to do at some point? These are fundamental questions that have very few answers right now. Some might argue that the robots themselves could be seen as "trustworthy" if we had better means of assuring their reliability and performance. But right now, the combination of trust in the machine and its authority over human lives seems too dangerous a path to take (Vila?a, 2024).

Beyond this immediate worry, society's reliance on robot systems may give rise to a form of human complacency. The more we lean on these systems, the less we're forced to do the heavy lifting of thought, and the less work we're obliged to put into solving the kinds of problems that seem to demand the presence of a human being. But the very nature of these problems is what makes our society vulnerable should these systems fail—even temporarily—and force us to take up the slack. Indeed, it may well be that, as twentysomethings in San Francisco are fond of saying, "Robots are cool." But if our "cool" robots ever take a turn for the malevolent, we'll need only to look in the mirror to find the reason why.

Balancing Technology And Humanity:

Managing the delicate equilibrium between technology and humanity is a vital issue, especially now as we are becoming a "robotic society." And yet, the true challenge lies in something more subtle: making sure that the presence of robots in our day-to-day existence does not overshadow our human values and experiences. Doing so requires not only "nuanced understanding" but also "proactive strategies" to ensure that the benefits of technologies like AI and robotics do not accrue to a few but are for all (Dallasega, 2020). At the same time, they have to preserve and, ideally, enhance the dignity and autonomy of all humans.

Forming a balance between humanity and technology requires the establishment of solid ethical frameworks that ensure the robots we create are designed in a human-centred way. They must consider the social implications of their human-robot designs and the interactions of those two entities (Bai, 2024). Our society gains immense efficiencies with technological advances, and when we put robots in our existing workplaces, they bring impressive productivity gains. The World Bank asserts that half of all the tasks humans perform today could be automated with the technologies we currently possess. Meanwhile, Oxford University researchers predict that 47 per cent of all U.S. jobs are at risk of being automated in the next 20 years. But what do we lose when we "insert" robots into functions humans perform today?

Preventing economic inequality that may arise from automation is essential to ensuring that society remains balanced. Governments must employ policies to counteract job displacement and promote access to the technological benefits that robots and other automated systems can provide (Torresen, 2018). These kinds of measures might include retraining programs to equip workers with the skills needed to operate in an automated economy or a universal basic income system to pay workers who have been displaced by robots. Indeed, it's possible that a society with a significant amount of robotic work could be a much more leisurely one in which citizens have more time to do what they want.

Balancing technology with humanity requires creating an environment where innovation and ethics can coexist. This means that society must continue to have a conversation about the developments in robotics and what they mean for us, and each of these conversations must start with the same question: What do we want robots to do? (Orzes, 2023). The outcome of this dialogue should be a set of principles that guide the design and deployment of robots, and these principles must ensure human welfare and safeguard human rights. If we fail to do that, then we are choosing to live in a future that may be harmful to humans and their essence.

Visions Of A Robot-Dominated Future:

The idea of a future dominated by robots and artificial intelligence conjures up a wide range of possibilities. On one end of the spectrum are utopian visions of docile and intelligent machines that coexist harmoniously with humans. At the other end are dystopian scenarios in which machines not only rule but also render humans obsolete. In between are countless variations and combinations of these two extremes. And in many a sci-fi story, at least, the human characters find themselves in a struggle to redefine basic human identity and social structures in the face of the revolutionary changes brought on by the machines (Bai, 2024).

At the same time, the idea of a robot-dominated future calls for serious societal and ethical contemplation that is also in part about human rights. If we are to grant machines any power over humans, we must also decide how we want them to use that power. The fear that many people have is that robots might be given power to execute decisions that humans would have previously made. What might society look like in 20 years if we choose to let robots make life-and-death decisions? Would we feel comfortable letting robots make those decisions, or would we rather have humans continue to do so? At the same time, wouldn’t the next logical step after the creation of a humanoid robot be the creation of a super-intelligent artificial being, one that could surpass human intelligence (Torresen, 2018)?

Additionally, we cannot ignore the economic effects. After all, automation is meant to boost productivity, and with higher productivity, the same amount of work can be done by fewer people. But because of society's apparent unwillingness to even discuss these issues, much less find solutions for them, many workers are likely to see a future in which they have been replaced and have found that retraining is no real option (Orzes, 2023).

When we think about a future dominated by robots, the very first thing that comes to mind is the raft of science fiction stories, from the very old to the very new, that have been written to explore exactly that possibility. What happens when robots, or their close kin, artificial intelligence, take over not only all the tasks now performed by humans but also the roles in society and the economy that humans now occupy? It's a question that has been asked so often that it is almost a cliché to ask it again. But it is also a question that we must ask and must keep asking until we find an answer that satisfies us (Bai, 2024).

Conclusion:

The prospect of humans and robots living together presents both opportunities and dangers. It's essential to understand that our association with robots holds not just an advantage but also a moral, and ethical value. Promising collaboration between humans and robots is already being imagined, with the potential for robots to enhance human capabilities and make contributions to society. This promises to be a far more positive future than we've usually seen painted in the media—one that requires robust regulatory frameworks to govern not only the development of artificial intelligence but also the evolution of the human-robot relationship. Why is this necessary? Because even now, we do not have a clear idea of what will happen to humans if robots take over the kinds of jobs that are now performed by humans.

Automation is bringing about significant societal transformations with profound implications for the future of work. It's already clear that these changes will not affect all parts of society in the same way. The conversation about the future of work and the implications of robots taking over our jobs is often dominated by economists. But in this essay, I want to make a couple of points that are perhaps more relevant for a sociologically inclined audience. The first is about the extent to which the coming changes are likely to widen the already considerable economic and social inequality in our society. The second is about the interpersonal effects of the work/robot revolution.

When we think about a future ruled by robots, we must confront some uncomfortable truths. One is that our reliance on technology grows daily. Another is that technology is a double-edged sword: while it can enhance our existence, it can also put us at risk. These realities demand that we take an unprecedented level of ethical responsibility for our technological creations. If we are to have a "robot revolution," we must ensure that it benefits all of us and that it creates a future in which both humans and the robots we build can thrive.

References

HARVARD

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Torresen, Jim, (2018) A Review of Future and Ethical Perspectives of Robotics and AI. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/robotics-and-ai/articles/10.3389/frobt.2017.00075/full (Accessed: 15 January 2018).

Bai, C., (2024) An ethical framework for human-robot collaboration for the future .... Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160791X24002288 (Accessed: 1 September 2024).

Dallasega, P., (2020) [PDF] The ethics of artificial intelligence: Issues and initiatives. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2020/634452/EPRS_STU(2020)634452_EN.pdf (Accessed: 11 March2020).

Orzes, G., (2023) Humans, Neanderthals, robots and rights | Ethics and Information .... Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10676-022-09644-z (Accessed: 17 May 2023).