Robots and Socio-Ethical Implications [Guest Editorial]

Abstract

The articles in this special section focus on the social implications of robotics and artificial intelligence. From lifelike androids to virtual assistants, industrial machines to drones, today’s robot creations, including those in automation, are used to perform any number of specific tasks. These undertakings are repetitive in nature and suggest that we are still a long way from manufacturing “all-purpose” utility robots. History teaches us much about technological innovation and the perils of over-promising.