Robots: to protect and serve

Ulster University 2016 Convocation Annual Lecture

In association with International Workshop on Digital Empathy

Professor Noel Sharkey is Emeritus Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics & Public Engagement at the University of Sheffield. He is co-Director of the Foundation for Responsible Robotics and Chair of the NGO International Committee for Robot Arms Control (ICRAC).

He is also one of the UK’s leading science communicators, appearing on popular television programmes, such as head judge for the TV science series `Robot Wars' (BBC-2) and previously co-presenter of BBC-2 Northern Ireland's `Bright Sparks' series. He has been Visiting Professor at Ulster University and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science (D.Sc.) by Ulster University in 2006 in recognition of his distinction as a computer scientist and his promotion of the popular understanding of science.

This lecture will highlight and discuss social responsibility in the development of new technology related to Digital Empathy and the implications of the use of systems to read emotions and intentions for policing, border control war, commercial sales and the wider implications for privacy.

Noel will finish by discussing the importance of societal responsibility for scientists and researchers developing these new technologies.