Robots Among Us: Halcyon Dialogue Releases Report Outlining Future of AI, Living With Robots

Shaping Robotics Policy for the 21^st Century analyzes recommended policies and best practices to foster benefits of emerging technology

Washington, D.C. – September 28, 2017 – The 2016-2017 Halcyon Dialogue today released a report that takes an in-depth look at the critical issues of robotics policy, regulation and the effect this technology will have on the workforce and human/robot interaction in the near future. The report – Shaping Robotics Policy for the 21^st Century – along with its findings and recommendations stem from a year-long partnership between Halcyon, a non-profit focusing on galvanizing creative individuals aspiring to promote social good, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). It brings together industry leaders, scientists, government officials and policymakers to address the broader social implications raised by integrating robots into our everyday lives.

Transformative technological shifts in today’s social landscape bring a multitude of social and political opportunities. Today, this world of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to undergo explosive growth, promising to fundamentally alter the way humans interact with everything from transportation to medicine to the police. In order for these changes to provide societal benefits, they will have to be designed, tested and employed in a manner consistent with an array of social, cultural and economic parameters — ­­many of which have yet to be fully articulated.

“The 2016-2017 Halcyon Dialogue looks to both answer some of society’s biggest questions about the implications of robotics, and to raise questions that have been left unaddressed for far too long,” said Halcyon Founder and Chairwoman, Dr. Sachiko Kuno. “This insightful report provides our nation’s policy makers, stakeholders and its citizens with actionable recommendations necessary to ensure that our global society experiences the greatest benefits from robotics and AI.”

Some of the major topics and recommendations discussed in the report include:

• Determining Effects on the Workforce & Enhancing Design and Implementation – Robots impact labor markets, but implementation will depend largely on their social acceptance.
• Building Trust & Minimizing Risks – To earn trust, the public must perceive an autonomous robot’s performance is better than human performance, which can be done through continuous testing and evaluation of systems.
• Ensuring Effective Governance – Achieving public trust and legislative action without stifling innovation and competition is a difficult task, and regulations must be assessed to reap the full benefits of robotics and artificial intelligence, without sacrificing security.

“AAAS’s motto is “Advancing Science, Serving Society,” and advances in robotics have the potential to profoundly influence the interplay between both the scientific and societal components of this mission in the years to come,” said Dr. Rush Holt, AAAS CEO. “AAAS and Halcyon are thrilled to have come together as partners on this endeavor.”

The Halcyon Dialogue was conceived to bring together global leaders, experts and researchers in a series of open discussions on the challenges associated with robots and the broad possibilities they provide. The 2016-2017 Halcyon Dialogue is presented in partnership with AAAS, and with support provided by Axios, Science Robotics, The Atlantic’s Washington Ideas, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Microsoft, Honeywell, and Daikin.

For more findings and recommendations stemming from this year’s Dialogue, visit: https://halcyonhouse.org/sites/default/files/2016-2017%20Halcyon%20Dialogue%20Series%20Report.pdf

In addition to the VIP Halcyon Dialogue Robotics Showcase a public showcase event will be held on September 29. For more information on the event please visit: https://halcyonhouse.org/halcyon-dialogue-public-robotics-showcase

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About Halcyon: Halcyon is devoted to the power of human creativity to promote social good. Halcyon brings together diverse groups of changemakers in art and social enterprise and provides a safe haven for their bold ideas to take flight. Halcyon offers an ecosystem of advocacy that encourages socially engaged creatives to learn, freely experiment, sometimes fail, and advance their talents and visions.

To learn more about Halcyon and the full list of programs and critical initiatives and work surrounding Halcyon, please visit: halcyonhouse.org.

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