Asimov’s First Law of Robotics to be used in Japan.

Posted Sunday, June 4th 2006

Although nowadays people know Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics from a big-screen (loose) adaptation of “I, Robot” featuring The Fresh Prince, they are nevertheless quite influential. And you don’t have to take my word for it - Japan’s Ministry of Economy is pushing forward a legislation to formalize at least Isaac Asimov’s first law of robotics.

1. A robot may not harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given to 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 you can see, the laws are created in such a way to ensure that robots cannot be use in malicious ways or for malicious aims. This is interesting to say the least, and I’m actually quite happy to see a government have enough vision and perspective to even consider this.

Source: Asimov’s First Law: Japan Sets Rules for Robots [Yahoo!]