Voting rights are not for robots
Theme: Tech & Democracy
In a future where robots are taking over more and more of our tasks and can interpret and mirror our behaviour, what effect will this have on democracy and its citizens?
“In a country like Sweden, for example, robots could make life much easier for people who struggle to take in information or who need help getting to the polling station or a meeting. However, in the hands of a malevolent state, they could be used to spread fake news and conduct surveillance, which could create fear. “
Danica Kragic Jensfelt, Professor of Computer Science and researcher of robotics and AI at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at KTH, discusses this in a brief chat.
But what effect would it have on us if robots took over various tasks in our daily lives?
“We are not stuck with any algorithms; they are constantly evolving. It's about how we, as well as companies and governments, choose to use the technology. From a societal perspective, the idea is that robots should take over tasks that are dirty, dull or dangerous. However, there must be time allocated for training in order to manage the technology effectively,” Kragic Jensfelt says.
According to a McKinsey report, at least 30 per cent of today's tasks will be automated using AI and robots. In the future, work will involve collaboration between humans, agents and robots, all of which will be powered by AI.
“The transition will take time. As this development unfolds, some roles will diminish, others will grow or change, and new roles will emerge, with work becoming increasingly centred on collaboration between humans and intelligent machines,” the report summarises.
Nothing will happen by itself. Danica Kragic Jensfelt emphasizes that humans are steering this development. She does not believe that robots will take over, let alone gain the right to vote. Rather, they are simply another tool at humanity’s disposal to guide us on our life's journey – much like mobile phones, cars or bicycles.
“When technology advances to the point where we have robots at home or at work that can observe, interpret, and carry out heavy lifting or repetitive tasks around the clock, we will be able to devote ourselves to other things,” Kragic Jensfelt says.
But won’t we become lazy and stop thinking for ourselves?
“No, perhaps at first, as with the intense scrolling on our mobiles, but that will pass. Then we can devote ourselves to creating things, looking after ourselves, socialising more and learning new things. I will definitely be sewing even more of my own clothes.”
However, Danica Kragic Jensfelt also emphasises the importance of regulating technology and how it is used. Political regulation is struggling to keep pace with the breakneck speed of technological development.
“There are, of course, large laboratories and significant financial interests that can lead to the technology having unexpected and unforeseen consequences, which may cause great harm — and that is when regulation becomes important.”
What kind of unforeseen side effects might the technology have?
“Humans are, after all, neither consistent nor reliable. In terms of precision and regularity, machines are superior to humans. However, if robots are to mirror or generalise based on human or political behaviour, irregularities can certainly arise. “
Text: Jill Klackenberg (
jillk@kth.se
)
Photo: Christer Gummesson (
gummeson@kth.se
)