Record STMT-WFFFF54Aspirational

Robots Are Actor-Networks: Awareness, Bottom-Up Ethics and Transforming Responsibility

Position paper UnknownGlobaladopted

This academic paper discusses responsibility and ethics in robotics based on qualitative expert interviews and talks within the CERSE research project. It presents preliminary findings that robots function as hybrid actor-networks, distribute and govern responsibility collectively, and require proactive communication and reflection from engineers. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a radical transformation of responsibility in robotics toward more openness, inclusion, and transdisciplinary research.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

SpringerIndustry

Publisher

Legal forceAspirational

Under whose authorityUnknown

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

Researchers and academicsAI developers and providersProfessional group

This paper is for researchers, robotic engineers, and ethicists exploring the theoretical and practical dimensions of responsibility in robotics.

Sectors

Research and science · robotics engineeringManufacturing and industry · industrial robotics

What the document contains

What's covered

The paper addresses the conceptualization of robotic systems as actor-networks, the distribution and self-governance of responsibility among engineers and robotic systems, and the need for proactive ethical reflection in robotics engineering.

What's missing

The text does not provide binding regulatory obligations, enforcement mechanisms, or formal legal standards for robotic development.

Key takeaways

Robotic systems operate as networks formed by hybrid actors in line with Actor-Network Theory.
These networks distribute and self-govern ethical responsibility across human and non-human actors.
Robotic engineers call for proactive reflection and communication to raise ethical awareness.
Robot ethics must transition toward greater openness, inclusion, and transdisciplinary research.

Outline

· Abstract
· Introduction and Findings from CERSE Research Project
· Actor-Networks and Distributed Responsibility
· Proactive Reflection and Communication
· Conclusion and Call for Transdisciplinary Research

Issued23 April 2022

Length1,298 words

FormatNot recorded

Scopeglobal

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

3/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

This paper discusses responsibility and ethics in robotics.

Abstract

screening score · 2026-10-24

Fairness

0/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

Abstract

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Dignity

0/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

Abstract

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Oversight

0/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

Abstract

screening score · 2026-10-24

Privacy

0/5

Protection of personal data and private life

Abstract

screening score · 2026-10-24

Transparency

1/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

robot ethics must move towards more openness, inclusion, and transdisciplinary research.

Abstract

screening score · 2026-10-24

Enforcement

0/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

Abstract

screening score · 2026-10-24

Impact Assessment

0/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

Abstract

screening score · 2026-10-24

Topics

Physical AI Governancecontext

robot_ethics actor_network_theory robotic_engineering collective_responsibility transdisciplinary_research