Humans and Automata

This book explores some of the projects on which robotic engineers are presently working and the possible futures generated by the development of artificial intelligence. Its main focus is on the social dimensions of robotics. It examines sociological, economic, ethical, and political problems related to the developments of industrial, domestic, entertainment, and military robotics.

The book takes a close look at the social dimensions of robotics. It examines some of the projects on which robotic engineers are presently working, explores the dreams and hopes connected with these undertakings and determines if there is a relation between automation and unemployment within the socio-economic system. Furthermore, it explores the possible futures generated by the development of artificial intelligence and outlines the core ideas of roboethics. Last but not least, it examines the systems of military robots, with special emphasis on the ethical issues raised by the design, construction and utilization of these systems of weaponry.

Autorentext

Riccardo Campa is Professor Extraordinarius of Sociology of Science and Technology at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, and Fellow of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies.

Inhalt
Contents: Roboethics Technological unemployment Unmanned systems Industrial robots Military robots Domestic robots Sex robots Universal robots Futurology Scenario analysis Sociology of technology.