The Three Laws of Robotics and the Future

Ariel Katz

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Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics have captivated imaginations for decades, providing a blueprint for ethical AI long before it became a reality.

First introduced in his 1942 short story “Runaround” from the “I, Robot” series, these laws state:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

As we stand on the precipice of an AI-driven future, Asimov’s vision is more relevant than ever. But are these laws sufficient to guide us through the ethical complexities of advanced AI?

As a teenager, I was enthralled by Asimov’s work. His stories painted a vivid picture of a future where humans and physical robots—and, though I didn’t imagine them back then, software robots—coexist harmoniously under a framework of ethical guidelines. His Three Laws were not just science fiction; they were a profound commentary on the relationship between humanity and its creations.