This is a summary of the book titled “Robot Ethics” written by Mark Coeckelbergh and published by MIT Press in 2022. The author is an academic and philosopher who surveys the robots and discusses the moral challenges to answer questions such as how much privacy to surrender, the ratio of human to robots, should robots be allowed to perform surgery, fight wars on our behalf and such others. All these questions are driven towards what kind of future we want for our children. Changes brought about by robots are desirable and they are expected to enter all walks of life. As home companions, they pose a dilemma to how much personal information to share. In medical practice, they pose a question about quality. As self-driving vehicles, they pose a challenge to ethical decision making. As they get closer to human capabilities, how should they be treated when they appear like humans. When military robots reduce cost and risks of warfare, are wars acceptable? Are their ethics human ethics?

Robots are changing the world in mundane ways, altering work, travel, and interaction. The ethical implications of their use are significant, as they can deepen economic disparities, harm vulnerable groups, and lead to the loss of human life and dignity. The ethical dilemmas surrounding robotics include who holds responsibility for the problematic effects, such as the user, manufacturer, programmer, marketer, or regulatory agency. As robots become more like humans, society will face challenges in understanding what makes us human. The modern industrial site involves more human-robot interaction, bringing new challenges and concerns about worker welfare. Safety, security, and privacy are important concerns, as robots can carry heavy payloads and move in unpredictable ways. The new industrial revolution involves automation of repetitive mechanical tasks and complex mental work, with jobs at risk of automation in customer service and administrative assistance.

Robots may replace jobs in certain professions, but they may also lead to high-pressure and low-meaning occupations. Humans can mitigate these effects through planning and forward-looking policies. Some jobs, such as care work, teaching, and artistic endeavors, should remain in human hands, even if automation technology exists. Education is essential to prepare the workforce of the future, and it may be time to consider restructuring the socioeconomic framework through measures like universal basic income.

Robotic home companions and personal assistants present new issues regarding privacy and deception. Without legal protections, a surveillance state is likely. Robots designed to resemble people or speak with human voice patterns may perpetuate problematic stereotypes. Using robots for companionship and care raises concerns about deception and dignity, as the person being cared for may not understand the companion's non-human capabilities.

Sex robots illustrate the flip side of deception, as their imitation of human actions can lead to harm, such as rendering people incapable of handling romantic relationships or increasing comfort with sexual partners.

Robots in healthcare are revolutionizing the industry, enabling telehealth, medication delivery, and complex surgeries. However, ethical concerns arise regarding privacy, surveillance, data collection, human worker displacement, and the impact on care providers. A coherent ethic for using robots in medicine should be based on quality in human life, considering patients' physical, emotional, and relational needs, as well as providers' engagement and loved ones' involvement.

As autonomous robots become more autonomous, the responsibility for failures becomes more complex. Factors such as driver reaction speed, safety features, and city officials' permission should be considered. To build greater safety, efforts should involve input from all affected parties, including taxi drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Regulations can help maintain transparency, and people must be prepared to incorporate robots into community planning and policymaking. In conclusion, a coherent ethic for using robots in healthcare should prioritize human dignity and consider the potential risks and benefits.

As robots become more lifelike, there are ethical considerations regarding their treatment. Empathy with robots can lead to mistreatment, as seen in a 2015 video of employees kicking a robotic dog. Some argue that creating robots that can masquerade as humans is unethical, as it could lead to human degradation or a rise in similar behavior towards fellow humans. One possible answer is to consider robots as entities with which people have established a relationship, similar to how we feel a different duty to an animal we keep as a pet than to one we raise for meat. The rise of fully- or partially automated weapons systems raises new ethical dilemmas, as opponents argue that reducing war's human costs could make it easier for politicians to justify military action. The ultimate ethical question raised by killer robots is whether the use of fully automated weapons is justified under any circumstances.

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