The first book to focus on law, policy, and regulation in human-robot interaction is now available online. Used with permission from Cambridge University Press © 2024
Fukuoka, Japan—The future is here: AI and AI-powered robots are no longer confined to science fiction. They are becoming an integral part of our daily lives. With increasing intelligence and human-like qualities, these robots are evolving from mere tools to potential partners and even social entities, enabling real-time, flexible human-robot interactions.
Legal and ethical frameworks face significant challenges due to the rapid evolution of AI and robotics, including concerns about privacy, safety, and regulation. The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Policy, and Regulation for Human-Robot Interaction (Cambridge University Press, November 21, 2024), now available online (December 2024), addresses these emerging issues.
Edited by Woodrow Barfield, Yueh-Hsuan Weng, and Ugo Pagallo, three experts in AI-related legal issues, the handbook gathers insights from social sciences, computer science, and engineering. It is the first book to specifically address issues of law, policy, and regulation focusing on human-robot interaction.
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“Humanities are crucial to AI development,” says Yueh-Hsuan Weng, Associate Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Kyushu University, and the Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS), Tohoku University (Cross-appointment). He is also a co-editor of the book. “Tech professionals can create cutting-edge systems, but without input from legal and humanities perspectives, these systems may struggle to coexist with humans. We hope this book serves as a compass for developers, ensuring AI systems better benefit our society.”
Comprising 46 chapters, the handbook is organized into four parts. The opening section introduces the legal and ethical challenges arising from human-robot interaction, addressing issues such as trust for robots and anthropomorphism—where non-human entities are given human-like emotions or intentions. The second section explores the societal impacts of human-robot interaction, discussing questions about whether AI entities should be granted legal personhood and what steps are needed for the growing integration of robots into human life.
This handbook brings together authors from various countries and presents case studies from across the globe. By offering diverse perspectives, it provides valuable insights into the ethical dilemmas emerging from our personal interactions with robots, sparking a global dialogue on these issues.
“A major issue I addressed in the book is the AI pacing problem,” says Weng. This refers to the gap between rapid AI advancements and the slower pace of legislation. While many countries and organizations are working on regulations for AI-enabled robots, creating comprehensive laws often struggles to keep up with AI’s progress. “Governance mechanisms have been proposed, ranging from ‘hard’ legislation to ‘soft’ ethical guidelines. What’s needed now are solutions that balance enforceability and flexibility.”
Looking to the future, The Handbook addresses critical issues surrounding human-robot interaction, including anthropomorphism, the use of robots in healthcare, and the imperative for privacy protection. The increasing sophistication of robotic behavior, such as robot dogs dancing jazz, raises complex ethical questions and could even redefine how future generations perceive concepts like “dogs.” The potential for emotional bonds with robotic caregivers, particularly among older adults, underscores the urgent need for ethical guidelines in healthcare settings. Addressing the balance between high-quality service delivery and robust data security will be a crucial task demanding innovative regulatory solutions in the years to come.
