The Ethics of Smart Robots and Driverless Cars, Essay Example

In the advent that technology is beginning to replace the need for human direction or interaction, there has largely been scrutiny coming from experts in the field of engineering, technology, and other scientists. Artificial intelligence is poised to take over a great deal talk within the next decade as scientists and engineers are creating enhanced prosthetic limbs, entire bionic men, and other uses. As the articles states, “With computers getting smaller, more powerful and more energy-efficient, few areas of our lives will remain untouched by intelligent machines.” (Davis) Inventions such as Watson the IBM intelligent system that was once featured on Jeopardy! has moved on to help diagnose diseases in medical schools, and being used for clinical utilization. While Google has progressed their plans to implement their driverless cars on the roads, and more robots are being developed to tackle legal issues and used in other areas.

The problem that is outlined is where to draw the line with the use of technology being in used to access medical records. Cars that drive by themselves on the road with real drivers, and robots that decide legal cases. The criticism stems from the ethical considerations from engineers that create the robots, and where does the code of ethics apply. According to NSPE Code of Ethics, “Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.” (NSPE 1) Where conflict exists is what happens when these artificial intelligence replaces actual human involvement, and those with prosthetic limbs gains an advantage over those with regular limbs? The role of an engineer is to create inventions is to act lawfully, responsibly, and ethically in enhancing the reputation, usefulness, and honor of the engineering profession. With the increase in artificial intelligence offers both the options of enhancing areas of science and education that benefits society as a whole, but it also raises ethical and safety measures that can’t be overlooked.

Works Cited

“Code of Ethics for Engineers.” National Society of Professional Engineers. July 2007. Print.

Davis, Nicola. “Smart Robots, Driverless Cars Work—but They Bring Ethical Issues Too.” The Guardian. 20 October 2013. Web. 14 October 2014. http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/20/artificial-intelligence-impact-lives