Japan creates Asimov-like robotic laws

May 31, 2006

Japan is creating "robotic laws" along the lines envisioned by scientist Isaac Asimov in the Laws of Robotics he presented in a 1940 science fiction novel.

The set of safety guidelines would emulate Asimov's First Law of Robotics: "A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm," technovelgy.com reported.

The rules being created by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry include requiring manufacturers to install sensors to keep robots from running into people, with light or soft materials used in building the robots.

In addition, emergency shut-off buttons will also reportedly be required.

Japanese manufacturers are interested in creating robots to ease a labor shortage in that nation's elder care industry, technovelgy.com said.

Rate this story - 3.5 /5 (34 votes)

rank
1
2
3
4
5

view popular

Other News

Framed for child porn -- by a PC virus

Technology / Internet

17 hours ago | 5 / 5 (5) | 3

(AP) -- Of all the sinister things that Internet viruses do, this might be the worst: They can make you an unsuspecting collector of child pornography.

A system of space solar power system (SSPS)

Japan eyes solar station in space as new energy source

Technology / Energy

Nov 08, 2009 | 4.7 / 5 (14) | 20

It may sound like a sci-fi vision, but Japan's space agency is dead serious: by 2030 it wants to collect solar power in space and zap it down to Earth, using laser beams or microwaves.

Dartmouth professor finds that iconic Oswald photo was not faked

Professor finds that iconic Oswald photo was not faked (w/ Video)

Technology / Computer Sciences

Nov 05, 2009 | 3.8 / 5 (9) | 38

(PhysOrg.com) -- Dartmouth Computer Scientist Hany Farid has new evidence regarding a photograph of accused John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. Farid, a pioneer in the field of digital forensics, digitally ...

Car That Runs on Compressed Air Questioned by Critics (w/ Video)

Technology / Energy

Nov 03, 2009 | 3.8 / 5 (21) | 34

(PhysOrg.com) -- As electric cars begin breaking into the short-distance vehicle market, one French company thinks that it has an alternative to the electric vehicle: a car that runs on compressed air. Motor ...

Will Europe Be Powered by the Sahara

Technology / Energy

Nov 04, 2009 | 4 / 5 (22) | 25

(PhysOrg.com) -- Europe has long been interested in developing alternative energy sources. And, one of the more interesting places that some Europeans are looking for solar power is the Sahara. With the vast ...