Latest news with #ThreeLawsofRobotics
Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Insider
China Warns of Rogue Robot Troops Unleashing
Concerns are mounting in China as the Communist superpower advances humanoid robot development to replace human soldiers on the battlefield, prompting calls for 'ethical and legal research' into this Terminator-like technology to 'avoid moral pitfalls.' An op-ed published by Yuan Yi, Ma Ye and Yue Shiguang in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily warned that faulty robots could lead to 'indiscriminate killings and accidental death,' which would 'inevitably result in legal charges and moral condemnation.' The South China Morning Post reports: The authors cited American science fiction writer Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, a set of principles that have influenced discussions about the ethics of real-world applications in the field. The authors said that militarised humanoid robots 'clearly violate' the first of Asimov's laws, which states that a robot 'may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm'. They added that Asimov's laws needed to be overhauled in the light of these developments. They also highlighted legal implications, saying that humanoid robots in military scenarios should comply with the main principles of the laws of war by 'obeying humans', 'respecting humans' and 'protecting humans'. The authors emphasized that robots must be designed with constraints to 'suspend and limit excessive use of force in a timely manner and not indiscriminately kill people.' Additionally, the trio cautioned against hastily replacing humans with robots, noting that robots still lack essential capabilities such as speed, dexterity, and the ability to navigate complex terrains. 'Even if humanoid robots become mature and widely used in the future, they will not completely replace other unmanned systems,' the article said. Concurrently, the U.S. Army is intensifying efforts to integrate robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, aiming to enhance human-machine collaboration between soldiers and advanced robots on the battlefield, according to Interesting Engineering. Scientists at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL) are pioneering advancements in ground and aerial autonomous systems, as well as energy solutions, to bolster the mobility and maneuverability of these technologies, the technology website reports. 'We are bridging the gap between humans and robots, making them more intuitive, responsive, and, ultimately, more useful for the Soldier,' said a lead researcher for the Artificial Intelligence for Maneuver and Mobility program. 'ARL researchers have demonstrated an interactive bi-directional communication system that enables real-time exchanges between humans and robots.' And of course (CGI): Also read: China And India Drive Global Demand For Air Conditioning
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Robotics Market Industry Research Report 2025: North America Leading Robotics Revolution, Asia Expected to Surge by 2035
Global robotics market to surge from USD 64.8 billion to USD 375.82 billion by 2035 with a CAGR of 17.33%. Key growth drivers include AI, automation, and applications across industries like healthcare and automotive. Hardware and cloud-based deployments lead market segments. North America dominates, Asia to see highest growth. Robotics Dublin, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Robotics Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Type of Component, Type of Deployment, Type of Product, Type of Technology, Type of Environment, Type of Mobility, Type of Application, Type of End User and Key Geographical Regions" report has been added to offering. The global robotics market size is estimated to grow from USD 64.8 billion in the current year to USD 375.82 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 17.33% during the forecast period, till 2035 The report on the robotics market presents a comprehensive market sizing and opportunity analysis, covering key segments such as component type, mode of deployment, product type, technology type, environment type, mobility type, application, end user, and geographical regions. It includes a detailed competitive landscape, evaluating companies based on factors like year of establishment, company size, headquarters location, and ownership structure. The report also features company profiles of leading robotics players, offering insights into their headquarters, size, mission, footprint, management, financials, business segments, robotics portfolios, moat analysis, recent developments, and future outlook. Over the past decade, the growing expansion of technology, including artificial intelligence has brought robotics to the next level in terms of ability to handle complex situations, efficiency, accuracy, and functionality. Historically, the term robotic is derived from the word Robot which was first used by Karel Capek. However, the writer Issac Asimov used the term Robotic first time in his creation of the Three Laws of Robotics in 1940. Robotics is an interdisciplinary sector of computer science and engineering that involves the construction, design, and use of mechanical robots. The purpose of the robotic field is to build intelligent devices and machines that can perform a variety of tasks using different types of methods either autonomously or under human control. These designed machines or robots function by doing repetitive tasks with higher efficacy and accuracy than humans. Further, the robotics industry has a wide range of categories, such as industrial robotics, service robotics, agricultural robotics, and educational robotics that are used in specific applications. With the increasing industrial automation around the world, the demand for industrial robots as well as other robots has spiked, as these are capable of performing repetitive tasks. They can be designed as robotic arms, humanoid robots, or collaborative robots (Cobots). The advantages of robotics technology in finishing tasks quickly, precisely, and accurately spike in demand for robots in several industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive for higher production and efficacy. Moreover, such benefits of robotics streamline processes, optimize usage, and enhance overall operational efficacy. Consequently, by leveraging robotics technology, organizations can persistently complete tasks with a greater level of accuracy and minimize human errors and variations which aid in improved product quality and standardized process. Considering these factors, the industry is likely to witness lucrative opportunities with the growing adoption of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning which will expand the potential growth of the robotics market. Overall, the inflating demand for smart solutions and services in product manufacturing, agriculture, medical, and defense sectors is projected to generate new possibilities for the growth of the robotics market. ROBOTICS MARKET: KEY SEGMENTSMarket Share by Type of Component Based on the type of component, the global robotics market is segmented into hardware (actuators, communication systems, control Systems, power supply, sensors), software, and services. According to our estimates, currently, hardware segment captures the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to the surge in demand for hardware elements such as sensors, actuators, and robotic arms, owing to their performance, precision, efficiency, and functionality in industrial robotics. Market Share by Mode of Deployment Based on modes of deployment, the robotics market is segmented into cloud / remote and on-premises. According to our estimates, currently, cloud / remote segment captures the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to the scalability and flexibility offered by cloud-based robotics, which can easily adjust to changing demands. Cloud deployment typically incurs lower initial expenses as it eliminates the need for extensive on-site hardware and maintenance, making it a preferred choice for robotic process automation software and services. Market Share by Type of Product Based on type of product, the robotics market is segmented into autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), articulated robots, cartesian, collaborative robots (Cobots), delta, humanoids, SCARA, and others. According to our estimates, currently, articulated robots capture the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to the versatility and efficiency of articulated robots in performing diverse tasks, which leads to enhanced productivity and lower operational costs. Market Share by Type of Technology Based on type of technology, the robotics market is segmented into AI-powered robots, remote-controlled robots, autonomous robots, IoT and others. According to our estimates, currently, autonomous robot technology captures the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to the rising demand for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), both of which are ground-based robots Market Share by Type of Environment Based on type of environment, the robotics market is segmented into aerial, ground, and marine. According to our estimates, currently, ground robotics capture the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to their capacity to enhance operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve task accuracy across a wide range of applications and industries, such as warehousing, material handling, and manufacturing processes. However, the market for aerial robotics segment is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Market Share by Mobility Based on mobility, the robotics market is segmented into mobile robotics and fixed robotics. According to our estimates, currently, mobile robotics capture the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to their capability to move within various environments, supported by sensors and navigation software that allows them to operate efficiently with integrated artificial intelligence. Further, mobile robots are categorized into autonomous and non-autonomous types. Autonomous mobile robots utilize advanced sensors for real-time object recognition and navigate with minimal external guidance. Given the role of mobile robotics in enhancing artificial technology, this segment is anticipated to experience significant growth during the forecast period. Market Share by Application Based on application, the robotics market is segmented into material handling, assembling & disassembling, welding & soldering, dispensing & processing, security & inspection, manufacturing production and automation, cleaning & sanitization, personal assistance, logistics, last mile mobility, medical devices, and entertainment. According to our estimates, currently, manufacturing production segment captures the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to the growing requirement for heightened efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness across diverse industrial manufacturing operations. However, the medical device sector is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Market Share by Type of End User Based on type of end user, the robotics market is segmented into electronics and semiconductors, automotive, healthcare, food and beverage, logistics and warehousing, aerospace and defense, consumer goods, agriculture, construction / mining, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, retail, education and research, energy and utilities, and hospitality. According to our estimates, currently, automotive sector segment captures the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for high-volume production, precision, and consistency within the automotive sector. However, the healthcare sector is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Market Share by Geography Based on geography, the robotics market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, and Rest of the World. According to our estimates, currently, North America captures the majority share of the market. This can be attributed to the early adoption of advanced technologies alongside a high demand for industrial automation. Additionally, the presence of major stakeholders and their continuous investments in research and development for innovative technologies, as well as competitive strategies, contribute to market expansion. However, market in Asia is anticipated to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period Players in Robotics Market, Profiled in the Report Include ABB Blue Ocean Robotics Brain Corporation Dematic DJI Fanuc Honeywell International Intuitive Surgical Operations iRobot Kawasaki Kuka AG Mitsubishi Omron Adept RoboAds Roborock Simbe Robotics SMP Robotics Xenex Disinfection Services Zebra Technologies ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Complimentary Excel Data Packs for all Analytical Modules in the Report 10% Free Content Customization Detailed Report Walkthrough Session with Research Team Free Updated report if the report is 6-12 months old or older For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Robotics CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Why We Should Expand Asimov's Three Laws Of Robotics With A 4th Law
In 1942, Isaac Asimov introduced a visionary framework — the Three Laws of Robotics — that has influenced both science fiction and real-world ethical debates surrounding artificial intelligence. Yet, more than 80 years later, these laws demand an urgent revisit and revamp to address a fundamentally transformed world, one in which humans coexist intimately with AI-(em)powered robots. Central to this revision is the need for a 4th foundational law rooted in hybrid intelligence — a blend of human natural intelligence and artificial intelligence — aimed explicitly at bringing out the best in and for people and planet. Asimov's original Three Laws are elegantly concise: While insightful, these laws presuppose a clear hierarchy and a simplified, somewhat reductionist relationship between humans and robots. Today's reality, however, is distinctly hybrid, characterized by interwoven interactions and mutual dependencies between humans and advanced, learning-capable robots. Consequently, relying solely on Asimov's original triad is insufficient. The essential question we must ask is: Are Asimov's laws still relevant, and if so, how can we adapt them to serve today's intertwined, complex society? Asimov's laws assume humans are entirely in charge, capable of foresight, wisdom, and ethical consistency. In reality, human decision-makers often grapple with biases, limited perspectives, and inconsistent ethical standards. Thus, robots and AI systems reflect — and amplify — the strengths and weaknesses of their human creators. The world does not exist in binaries of human versus robot but in nuanced hybrid intelligence ecosystems where interactions are reciprocal, dynamic, and adaptive. AI today is increasingly embedded in our daily lives — from healthcare to education, via shopping to environmental sustainability and governance. Algorithms influence what we buy, write, read, think about, and look at. (In) directly they have begun to influence every step of the decision-making process, and hence shaping our behavior. Gradually this is altering societal norms that had been taken for granted. I.e in the past AI-generated artworks were considered as less valuable than those made by humans; this perception is not only shifting in terms of appreciation for the final product (partially due to the vastly improved performance of AI in that regard). The integration of AI is also influencing our perception of ethical values – what was considered as cheating in 2022 is increasingly acknowledged as a given. In the near future multimodal AI-driven agentic robots will not merely execute isolated tasks; they will be present throughout the decision making process, preceding the human intent, and actually executing off-screen what might not even matured yet in the human mind. If these complex interactions continue without careful ethical oversight, the potential for unintended consequences multiplies exponentially. And neither humans nor machines alone are sufficient to address the dynamic that has been set in motion. Hybrid intelligence arises from the complementarity of natural and artificial intelligences. HI is more than NI+AI, it brings out the best in both and curates added value that allows us to not just do more of the same, but something that is entirely new. It is the only path to adequately address an ever faster evolving hybrid world and the multifaceted challenges that it is characterized by. Humans possess creativity, compassion, intuition, and moral reasoning; whereas AI -empowered robots offer consistency, data analysis, speed, and scalability combined with superhuman stamina and immunity toward many of the physiological factors that the human organism struggles to cope with, from lack of sleep to the need for love. A synthesis of these strengths constitutes the core of hybrid intelligence. Consider climate change as a tangible example. Humans understand and empathize with ecological loss and social impact, while AI systems excel at predictive modeling, data aggregation, and identifying efficient solutions. Merging these distinct yet complementary capabilities can significantly enhance our capacity to tackle global crises, offering solutions that neither humans nor AI alone could devise. To secure a future in which every being has a fair chance to thrive we need all the assets that we can muster, which encompasses hybrid intelligence. On this premise an addition to Asimov's threesome is required — a Fourth Law — that may serve as the foundational bedrock for revisiting and applying Asimov's original three in an AI-saturated society: This 4th law goes beyond mere harm reduction; it proactively steers technological advancement toward universally beneficial outcomes. It repositions ethical responsibility squarely onto humans — not just engineers, but policymakers, business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders — to collectively shape the purpose and principles underlying AI development, and by extension AI-empowered robotics. Historically, technological innovation has often been driven by reductionist self-interest, emphasizing efficiency, profit, and competitive advantage at the expense of broader social and environmental considerations. Hybrid intelligence, underpinned by the proposed fourth law, shifts the narrative from individualistic to collective aspirations. It fosters a world where technological development and ethical stewardship move hand-in-hand, enabling long-term collective flourishing. This shift requires policymakers and leaders to prioritize systems thinking over isolated problem-solving. It is time to ask: How does a specific AI or robotic implementation affect the broader ecosystem, including human health, social cohesion, environmental resilience, and ethical governance? Only by integrating these considerations into decision-making processes from the outset can we ensure that technology genuinely benefits humanity and the environment they depend on. Implementing the 4th law means to embed explicit ethical benchmarks into AI design, development, testing, and deployment. These benchmarks should emphasize transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. For example, healthcare robots must be evaluated not merely by efficiency metrics but also by their ability to enhance patient well-being, dignity, and autonomy. Likewise, environmental robots should prioritize regenerative approaches that sustain ecosystems rather than short-term fixes that yield unintended consequences. Educational institutions and corporate training programs must cultivate double literacy — equipping future designers, users, and policymakers with literacy in both natural and artificial intelligences. Double literacy enables individuals to critically evaluate, ethically engage with, and innovatively apply AI technologies within hybrid intelligence frameworks. Differently put, the 4th law looks for proscial A, AI-systems that are tailored, trained, tested and targeted to bring out the best in and for people and planet. Social benefits are aimed for as a priority, rather than a collateral benefit in the pursuit of commercial success. That requires humans who are fluent in double literacy. The rapid integration of AI into our social fabric demands immediate and proactive ethical revision. Written over eight decades ago Asimov's laws provide an essential starting point for today; their adaptation to contemporary reality requires a holistic lens. The 4th law explicitly expands their scope and steeps them in humanity's collective responsibility to design AI systems that nurture our best selves and sustain our shared environment. In a hybrid era, human decision-makers (each of us) do not have the luxury of reductionist self-interest. Revisiting and revamping Asimov's laws through the lens of hybrid intelligence is not just prudent — it is imperative for our collective survival
Arab News
06-02-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Don't be a Luddite, embrace artificial intelligence
The 20th-century British science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke famously observed that any sufficiently advanced technology was indistinguishable from magic. Clarke spent much of his life foretelling, with unerring accuracy, the nature of the world in which we now live. In 1945, for example, he proposed a system of satellites in geostationary orbits ringing the Earth, upon which we now rely for communication and navigation. In 1964, he suggested that the workers of the future 'will not commute ... they will communicate.' Sound familiar? And again in 1964, Clarke predicted that, in the world of the future, 'the most intelligent inhabitants ... won't be men or monkeys, they'll be machines, the remote descendants of today's computers. Now, the present-day electronic brains are complete morons. But this will not be true in another generation. They will start to think, and eventually they will completely outthink their makers.' It is the accuracy of that last prediction — what Clarke called 'machine learning,' now usually referred to as artificial intelligence — that most exercises those who feel threatened by it. It would be fair to say that AI, or more accurately the exponential speed at which it is acquiring new and innovative capabilities, is not being universally welcomed. There are two main areas of concern, the first of which may be summarized as: 'AI will eventually kill us all.' This may seem far-fetched, but the thought process that leads to the doomsday conclusion is not without logic. Broadly, it is that a superior intelligence must eventually reach the inevitable conclusion that humanity is an inferior species, destroying the planet on which it relies for its very existence, and should therefore be eliminated for the protection of everything else. Elon Musk worked this out a long time ago. Why do you think he wants to go to Mars? Fortunately, humanity is not reliant on Musk for its survival: for that we must thank another great exponent of the science fiction genre, Isaac Asimov. In 1942, he formulated the Three Laws of Robotics, which broadly regulate the relationship between us and machines, and in 1986 he added another law to precede the first three. It states: 'A robot may not injure humanity or, through inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.' Asimov's laws apply to fictional machines, of course, but they still influence the ethics that underpin the creation and programming of all artificial intelligence. So, on the whole, I think we are safe. AI, or more accurately the exponential speed at which it is acquiring new and innovative capabilities, is not being universally welcomed The second area of concern may be broadly summarized as: 'AI is coming for all our jobs.' While this one may have more traction, it is not a new fear and it predates AI by centuries. It is not difficult to imagine the inventor of the wheel, showing off his creation but being greeted with skepticism by his Neolithic friends: 'No good will come of this. Our legs will become redundant, and those of future generations will wither away and die. This contraption must be destroyed.' Before the first Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, most people in Europe and North America lived in agrarian communities and worked by hand. The advent of the water mill and the steam engine threw many out of work, as traditional crafts such as spinning and weaving cotton became redundant. However, jobs that had not previously existed were created for boiler makers, ironsmiths and mechanics. It happened again in the late 19th century, when steam power was superseded by electricity and steam mechanics retrained to become electricians. And again in the 1980s, with the advent of the computer age and the end of repetitive manual tasks, but the creation of new jobs for hardware and software engineers. Will AI have the same net beneficial effect? There is evidence that it already is. In the UK last week, health chiefs began screening 700,000 women for signs of breast cancer, using AI that can detect changes in breast tissue in a mammogram that even an expert radiologist would miss. In addition, the technology allows screening with only one human specialist instead of the usual two, releasing hundreds of radiologists for other vital work. This AI will save lives. However, when one door opens, another closes. Also last week, the Authors Guild, the US body that represents writers, created a logo for books to show readers that a work 'emanates from human intellect' and not from artificial intelligence. Authors argue that AI work has no merit, since it merely copies words and phrases that have already been used by another writer You can understand their angst. Large language models, the version of AI that is the authors' target, create the databases from which they produce content by scraping online sources for every word ever published, mostly without the formality of bothering to pay the original author. Many journalists have the same complaint. Some major media outlets — including the Associated Press, Axel Springer, the Financial Times, News Corp and The Atlantic — have reached licensing agreements with AI creators. Others, notably The New York Times, have gone down the lawsuit route for breach of copyright. Perhaps, especially for authors, this is a can of worms best left unopened. It used to be said that a monkey sitting at a keyboard typing at random for an infinite amount of time would eventually produce the complete works of Shakespeare. Mathematicians dispute this, but there is no disputing that AI has made it more likely. For example, if you were to ask a large language model such as ChatGPT to write a 27,000-word story in the style of Ernest Hemingway about an elderly fisherman and his long struggle to catch a giant marlin, it would almost certainly come up with 'The Old Man and the Sea' — especially since the original is already in the AI's database. Authors argue that the AI work would have no merit, since it merely copies words and phrases that have already been used by another writer. But does that argument not apply to every new literary work? With the exception of Shakespeare, who coined about 1,700 written neologisms — from 'accommodation' to 'suspicious' — among a total of about 20,000 words in his plays and poems, almost every writer uses words and phrases that have been used by others before them: any literary or artistic merit derives from how a writer deploys those words and phrases. But if a book needs a special logo to distinguish a human author from an AI, what is the point in making the distinction? In England in the early 19th century, gangs of men called Luddites — after Ned Ludd, a weaver who lost his traditional manual job to mechanization — roamed towns and cities smashing the new machines in the textile industry that they believed were depriving them of employment. They initially enjoyed widespread support, but this melted away when it became clear that the age of steam was creating more jobs than it destroyed. Let that be a lesson for the anti-AI Luddites of the 21st century. - Ross Anderson is associate editor of Arab News.
