The Ethics of Humanoid Robots

Abstract

Robots have seamlessly been integrated into various facets of our lives, becoming an essential part of our society. However, this widespread acceptance of robotic technology becomes concerning with the rise of humanoid robots. This is because the distinct human-likeness of humanoid robots raises ethical concerns that go beyond those associated with non-humanoid robots. The human-like form and ability of humanoid robots to mimic our behaviour make it natural for us to relate to them as if they are human, far more so than with any other type of robotic technology. This means that there are ethical implications that are unique to humanoid robots. We, therefore, should not be so quick to integrate them into society, before thoroughly engaging with the ethical concerns that they bring to the surface. As such, this thesis is a collection of papers that, in different ways, engage with the ethics of relating to humanoid robots as if they are human. This thesis broadly engages with the following questions: how does relating to humanoid robots as if they are human impact our interactions with them? How does relating to humanoid robots as if they are human impact us? And, taken together, how can these questions help us think about the benefits and risks of this technology, such that we can make responsible decisions about their creation and deployment?