Granny and the robots: ethical issues in robot care for the elderly |
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Authors: | Amanda Sharkey Noel Sharkey |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 211 Portobello Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4DP, UK |
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Abstract: | The growing proportion of elderly people in society, together with recent advances in robotics, makes the use of robots in
elder care increasingly likely. We outline developments in the areas of robot applications for assisting the elderly and their
carers, for monitoring their health and safety, and for providing them with companionship. Despite the possible benefits,
we raise and discuss six main ethical concerns associated with: (1) the potential reduction in the amount of human contact;
(2) an increase in the feelings of objectification and loss of control; (3) a loss of privacy; (4) a loss of personal liberty;
(5) deception and infantilisation; (6) the circumstances in which elderly people should be allowed to control robots. We conclude
by balancing the care benefits against the ethical costs. If introduced with foresight and careful guidelines, robots and
robotic technology could improve the lives of the elderly, reducing their dependence, and creating more opportunities for
social interaction |
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