ASME Student Design Challenge; When Machines Decide: Ethical and Regulatory Challenges in Autonomous Robotic Governance
This student research paper examines the ethical and regulatory challenges of autonomous robotic governance through a case study on designing a waste collection robot. The author analyzes gaps in current legal frameworks regarding accountability and discusses how proactive governance and ethical development can mitigate risks associated with deploying autonomous systems in public spaces. The work highlights the limitations of reactive regulations and advocates for embedding governance mechanisms directly into the engineering design process.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Researchers, developers, and policymakers interested in the intersection of autonomous robotics engineering, accountability gaps, and ethical governance.
What the document contains
The document covers a student research project combining a technical design for an autonomous waste collection robot with a science, technology, and society (STS) analysis of legal and ethical challenges in autonomous robotic governance.
The document does not provide binding statutory regulations, official enforcement mechanisms, or formal institutional policies for industry-wide compliance.
- Autonomous robotics face accountability gaps due to outdated, human-centered liability models.
- Current governance frameworks are largely reactive, implementing regulations only after harmful incidents occur.
- A versatile waste management robot was successfully designed to navigate complex terrains and sort materials.
- Future engineering processes must embed ethical development practices and anticipatory governance from the beginning.
· Abstract and Introduction · Technical Research: Waste Collection Device Design · STS Research: Legal and Ethical Frameworks · Discussion and Limitations · Acknowledgements
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
3/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
My STS research examines how gaps in legal and ethical frameworks allow harmful outcomes to occur without clear accountability following the integration of autonomous robotics in society.
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
0/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
3/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
My STS research investigates how accountability failures with autonomous robotics, due to gaps in legal and regulatory frameworks and lenient development guidelines, can lead to public distrust and potential harm.
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23