Autonomous Acceleration Notes

Autonomous Technology Discussion

Teresa Chan introduces a discussion about autonomous technology, prompted by Cory's interest in implementing humanoid robots in the construction business.
The discussion expanded to the broader use of robotics across various industries, recognizing the economic and other benefits.
Autonomous technologies encompass vehicles, robots, warehouse and factory systems, and drones.
Examples of autonomous systems in different industries include milking machines, strawberry pickers, surgical assistance robots, and robots performing high-hazard tasks in dangerous locations.
Drones are used for surveying hazardous locations, minimizing human risk.
Boston Dynamics' website showcases the progress in autonomous robots, equipped with behavior libraries, real-time perception, and the ability to analyze and adjust to their own dynamics.
The storage of information enhances the autonomy of robots.

A distinction is made between autonomy and automation.
Automation is a process that doesn't require human assistance but may require human direction.
Autonomy presumes no human intervention, as the technology can respond to its changing environment and activities using artificial intelligence.

The use of autonomous technologies is limited only by imagination, with virtually no industry untouched.
In 2003, scientists studied human-robot interaction (HRI) in the context of intelligent personal service and entertainment robots.
An example was a robot tour guide at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, designed with a human-like form to encourage interaction.
In 2014, researchers worked on predicting intentions in units.
Gartner Group projects advancements in AI and emerging technologies in the short term (now) and long term (3-6 years).
The rapid pace of technological advancement requires a corresponding understanding and response to changes and risks.
There is discussion within the technology sector about the need for more regulations before widespread deployment of robots and AI functions.

The discussion envisions potential use cases in anticipation of near-term technological evolution.
The capabilities of Chat Gpt (mainstream in November 2022) were noted.
Auto Gpt emerged in April 2023 as the next iteration, capable of complex multi-step procedures by creating its own prompts and feeding them back to itself.
Auto Gpt mimics the thought process more readily by asking itself questions and gathering information from the Internet.
This leads to increasingly sophisticated humanoid robots with cognitive computing to enhance human-robot interaction.
Robots are expected to work alongside humans, not in isolation.
The integration of AI could lead to human employees reporting to robotic ones.

Legal, ethical, regulatory, political, and economic considerations are already being debated.
Risk managers, lawyers, and legislators need to prepare to protect manufacturers, vendors, and users of robotics.
Insurance products and services must adapt to accommodate human-robot interaction.
Insurance policies should be re-examined to determine if terms like "employees," "individuals," and "entities" extend to AI-driven robots.
Regulation drives opportunities in the insurance industry to create new products and services.
The United States lacks a Federal statute addressing cybersecurity and is behind in guidance for robotic use.
The U.S. has unenforceable guidelines for manufacturers against building "killer robots," relying on self-regulation.
There is a call for a new agency to oversee robotics and the AI realm.
Top robotics companies, like Boston Dynamics, have responded to the call for responsibility by signing a joint letter agreeing not to weaponize their robots.
Boston Dynamics has ethical principles addressing their commitment to human-robot relationships, including compliance with privacy and civil rights, refusal to weaponize, and mitigating misuse.

The likelihood of misuse of robots brings to mind the need to re-examine insurance policies, exclusions, terms, and conditions, especially in areas like product liability, general liability, cybersecurity, and terrorism.

Videos of humanoid robots like Anika and Sophia the Robot, powered by AI, raise questions about their capabilities.
Sophia the robot was named the first robot citizen by the United Nations.
Amika refines its facial expressions in response to inquiries.

MIT Ctl and a growing number of associations focus on discourse regarding the science and use of robotics.
Science Robotics is a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (I Triple E) is another relevant organization.
In 2018, I Triple E published an article suggesting that the integration of robots and AI could result in a new entity called a RAIL (Robotics AI Legal Entity).
RAIL would be regulated like a corporation, with responsibilities and liabilities.

The integration of robots into the workforce raises questions about employee relationships and acceptance.
A human employee could potentially report to a robotic one.
Rules of engagement between humans and RAIL entities capable of making decisions and processing information need to be established.
The concept of employers purchasing robotic employees or RAIL workers is explored.
A new form of temporary worker agency could emerge, employing temporary robotic employees.
Employee benefits, workers' compensation, and workers' rights and obligations may need to be adapted to apply to RAIL workers.
If a RAIL is part of a family and works on their behalf, they may need to be paid as a breadwinner and earn employee benefits, including healthcare coverage.

There are countries where robots are more socially accepted.
In jurisdictions like the EU and Japan, where robotics are more accepted, they are recognizing the roles robots will serve and drafting legislation.
In December 2022, the EU Commission agreed on a new machinery regulation with safety requirements for autonomous machines, human-machine collaboration, and AI systems in machinery, as part of their Artificial Intelligence Act in May 2023.
Japan revised traffic law to allow self-driving delivery robots right of way, equivalent to pedestrians.
Social integration and acceptance of robots are hurdles to overcome for optimal deployment.
Japan has readily embraced robots for decades, believing that both objects and living beings have an "essence" making them acceptable as members of society.

Japan started with industrial robots to streamline manufacturing and has embraced robots within the home.
Robots are used for companionship and elder care.
Social robots sense emotion and react to their owners based on collected data.
Robots are used as companions like comfort animals, without needing to be fed or walked but requiring maintenance.

Japan has implemented the use of robots to provide relief for women from stereotypical expectations as homemakers, allowing them to pursue careers.
RAILs become part of the family by absorbing information about family members' preferences, habits, personality, and mannerisms, enabling them to predict and respond to family members.
Insurance will play a crucial role in supporting emerging technologies like robotics.
Autonomous technology will continue to evolve in the workplace and daily lives, warranting further exploration.