Code of Ethics: A Transoral Robotic Surgery Case Study

Abstract

Robotics is a high technology that integrates various disciplines such as computer engineering, artificial intelligence, mechanics, bionics, and so forth. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, multiple fields such as engineering, medical, computer and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) are reviewed in order to satisfy the objective that to develop a code of ethics for robotics. For the main outcomes of the paper, a code of ethics that combines multiple fields is produced. In total, there are five essential ethical principles that are outlined in the code of ethics. In addition, the paper also proposes the idea that there can be a concise ethical risk assessment to apply to any robotic product or service in order for any stakeholders to intervene in time to calibrate its ethical value, such that the robotic technology can truly be beneficial to human society.