<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

The Three Laws of Robotics, as created by Isaac Asimov, one of the grand masters of science fiction:

• A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
• A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
• A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

In the novel I, Robot (1950), Asimov describes the future history of robots and their relationship with humanity, and begins to explore the ramifications of the three laws. The book comprises nine short stories that had been published in magazines in the 1940s. The three later novels in his Robot series, The Caves of Steel (1954), The Naked Sun (1957), and The Robots of Dawn (1983), successfully blended the genre of science fiction with detective novels.

Following Asimov’s fictional lead, the South Korean government has brought together a team of experts to draft a set of ethical guidelines “concerning the roles and functions of robots.” The Robot Ethics Charter, to cover standards for users and manufacturers, will be released in 2007. According to the ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, “. . . robots are expected to develop strong intelligence in the near future."

The European Robotics Research Network also anticipates releasing a set of guidelines in April 2007 on the use of robots. A preliminary draft said, "In the 21st Century humanity will coexist with the first alien intelligence we have ever come into contact with—robots. It will be an event rich in ethical, social and economic problems."

Also See

• I, Robot (short story). The 1939 short story by Eando Binder.
• I, Robot (Movie). The 2004 movie starring Will Smith.
• Cylons. Cybernetic destroyers.
• Androids & Cyborgs. From clones to nanomachine-infused entities.