ANTROPOMORPHIC MACHINES: IMPLICATIONS OF HUMAN-ROBOT SOCIAL INTERACTIONS FOR LAW AND SOCIETY
ANTROPOMORPHIC MACHINES: IMPLICATIONS OF HUMAN-ROBOT SOCIAL INTERACTIONS FOR LAW AND SOCIETY

Summary/Abstract: Human-robot interactions are inherently different from interactions with other artefacts, as robots are autonomous. Furthermore, recent technological advances have also enabled robots to undertake roles that are formerly thought to be reserved for humans, e.g. as companions or lovers, since interactive abilities of robots and their autonomy are sufficient to evoke an automatic cognitive response - robot anthropomorphism. Robot anthropomorphism, the attribution of human attitudes and emotions to robots, implies that behaviours towards robots may have implications for individuals and society in the long term. Examples include manipulation of emotional attachments to robots and increase in existing privacy risks. To respond to these implications, legal orders must acknowledge that robots are no longer mere tools of human interactions, but instead parties to such interactions. This paper, examines the unique implications on law and society presented by sociable robots, anthropomorphic machines by design. First, the phenomenon of robot anthropomorphism and its effects, and then, the risks presented by the sociable robots are addressed. As such, this chapter lays out the foundation for the examination of both the legal problems arising from the autonomy of robots, and the recommendations regarding the solution of these problems.

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