Technical, social, psychological and ethical aspects of human-robot collaboration: a case study of the 'Robin Heart' medical robot
Technical, social, psychological and ethical aspects of human-robot collaboration: a case study of the 'Robin Heart' medical robot

Summary/Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the need for a comprehensive examination of the technical, social, psychological, and ethical aspects of human-machine cooperation, using the Robin Heart medical robot as a case study. Methods: This research is a literature review and discussion. The conclusions are derived from non-empirical research based on the analysis of secondary sources, specifically scientific literature, within the inductive approach employed to scientific inference. The information sources utilized are interdisciplinary, encompassing management sciences, psychology, sociology, ethics, and medical physics. Results: The analysis posits those medical robots, including Robin Heart, are integral components of a technology system. The study identifies interactions among humans (Agent 1: medical personnel; Agent 2: patients) and technological artifacts (Agent 3: the robot). Agent 1 relates to individuals working in medical facilities, who may act as robot creators, programmers, device owners, operators, or robot trainers. Agent 2 refers to patients utilizing medical services. Agent 3 is the AI-equipped robot, which can be viewed either as a significant extension of human capabilities, or as an autonomous entity in medical actions. Conclusions: The integration of robots into healthcare represents evolutionary transgression from mere usage to active cooperation with machines. Enhancing the human-machine relationship is likely to be a central focus for multi-disciplinary teams that integrate humanistic, biological, and technical approaches in the forthcoming years. The findings underscore the importance of fostering an awareness of the technological system through a holistic view that incorporates interdisciplinary advancements.

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