Humans vs. Robots: Where are the limits of what an autonomous system should do?

About the Event

This Think Tank will draw together creators, legislators and users of autonomous systems to discuss the varied ethical issues that need to be considered in an increasing automated and 'smart' world. Researchers from UCL Engineering will provide a live demonstration of autonomous technology to start the discussion between the many parties involved, chaired and led by UCL Centre for Ethics and Law.

This event forms part of a wider series of Think Tanks organised by CEL. Ethical lapses around the globe by leaders in business, government and professions coupled with the increasing demand for ethics and compliance creates a need to enhance the relevance of teaching of ethics. It is important that good academic support exists for establishing the required skill set for academics, corporates, practicing lawyers and civil servants. The strengths of other academics within UCL can also be drawn on to provide crucial context to ethical issues.

The Centre for Ethics and Law hosts Think Tanks to identify, share and enhance best practice ethical decision making by bringing business and academic leadership together around a current ethical issue. The issue will be presented for debate in the context of a case study from which insights and materials can then be further developed for distribution to wider business and student audiences to work with as part of their educational development. 

There is an aim to incorporate the output of the Think Tanks into the academic agenda for students of Ethics and Law courses. Whilst the UCL Centre will not form any part of a lobbying group, the debates and academic output may well inform discussions that corporate partners pursue as part of their own industry strategy.

Think Tank Summary of Discussion