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iKenn
Moderator
Philippines
136 Posts |
 Posted - 12/21/2006 : 10:30:08
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6200005.stm
Robots could one day demand the same citizen's rights as humans, according to a study by the British government.
If granted, countries would be obligated to provide social benefits including housing and even "robo-healthcare", the report says.
The predictions are contained in nearly 250 papers that look ahead at developments over the next 50 years.
Other papers, or "scans", examine the future of space flight and methods to dramatically lengthen life spans.
"We're not in the business of predicting the future, but we do need to explore the broadest range of different possibilities to help ensure government is prepared in the long-term and considers issues across the spectrum in its planning," said Sir David King, the government's chief scientific adviser.
"The scans are aimed at stimulating debate and critical discussion to enhance government's short and long term policy and strategy."
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).
The reports also explored the future of manned space flight
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.
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rui_aiya
Frequent Poster
Philippines
207 Posts |
Posted - 12/21/2006 : 23:49:04
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pretty scary. but made me excited at the same time. thinking about the resources, the big possibility of damaging the environment is inevitable. if you have watched 'the inconvenient truth', you'll know what im saying. at the same time, we havent reached that 'super tech' era, and yet, we're already damaging our earth.
but everything has its pros and cons. im sure that this robotics will surely help us too. they may cause troubles but they will also save lives.
anyone favors this ai? to roam around us? or do you rather stick on what we have now and let it stay that way? |
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Warfolomei
Moderator
Finland
611 Posts |
Posted - 12/22/2006 : 05:10:39
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| ... after that they can start with animal rights ;_; |
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rui_aiya
Frequent Poster
Philippines
207 Posts |
Posted - 12/23/2006 : 03:34:46
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| i agree!! animal rights!!! go!!! |
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keith
Frequent Poster
Philippines
208 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2007 : 07:40:16
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| there will come a time where robots will think by themselves and live individually where they will decide on things like human. laws will be added, some will be revised. dunno if the problem will stop, its endless. |
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Robots could demand legal rights
