Bureaucracy of robotics
When it comes to robots, it’s fairly well acknowledged that Japan’s been kicking other countries’ butts since the days of Astroboy. Now, reports IESB, "the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has drafted a hugely complex set of proposals for keeping robots in check. The document, entitled Draft Guidelines to Secure the Safe Performance of Next Generation Robots, extends to nearly 60 pages of civil service jargon."
The document calls for the formation of a special study group — including lawyers — to draw up a set of firm proposals to govern the development of robots. But they’re not counting on robot lawyers!
According to our step-sister website Engadget, "Under Japan’s plan, all robots would be required to report back to a central database any and all injuries they cause to the people they are meant to be helping or protecting. The draft is currently open to public comment with a final set of principles set to be unveiled as early as May."
And did you know Japan is not the first country to draft ethical robot legislation? South Korea and Europe had already unveiled their versions. Apparently South Korea in particular has been wrestling with this for awhile.