Ethical Framework for Designing Autonomous Intelligent Systems

Jaana Leikas,Raija Koivisto,Nadezhda Gotcheva

doi:10.3390/joitmc5010018

Abstract

To gain the potential benefit of autonomous intelligent systems, their design and development need to be aligned with fundamental values and ethical principles. We need new design approaches, methodologies and processes to deploy ethical thought and action in the contexts of autonomous intelligent systems. To open this discussion, this article presents a review of ethical principles in the context of artificial intelligence design, and introduces an ethical framework for designing autonomous intelligent systems. The framework is based on an iterative, multidisciplinary perspective yet a systematic discussion during an Autonomous Intelligent Systems (AIS) design process, and on relevant ethical principles for the concept design of autonomous systems. We propose using scenarios as a tool to capture the essential user’s or stakeholder’s specific qualitative information, which is needed for a systematic analysis of ethical issues in the specific design case.

Highlights

To gain the potential benefit of autonomous intelligent systems, their design and development need to be aligned with fundamental values and ethical principles
The systematics of the analysis framework is based on the idea that the system under design is thoroughly discussed by using identified ethical values. We argue that this should be carried out in the very beginning of design to guide the design towards inherently ethical solutions: Ethically acceptable products and services are accepted by the users, which adds both business and societal value
Operational model: Guide passengers on-board using relevant automatic barriers, signage, and voice announcements; close the ramp when all passengers are on board; autonomously plan the route, considering other traffic and obstacles; make departure decision according to environmental conditions and technical systems status; detach from dock; cross the river, avoiding crossing traffic and obstacles; attach to opposite dock; open ramp, allow disembarkation of passengers; batteries are charged when docked; maintenance operations carried out during night when there is no service; remote operator monitors the operation in a Shore Control Center (SCC), with the possibility to intervene if needed

Summary

Introduction

“A water metro”, an autonomous ferry is transferring passengers across/along the river, from the harbor in downtown to outer skirts of the city, and back. Autonomous systems are fundamentally changing our world and ways of working They are seen as a means to increase productivity, cost efficiency and safety— by reducing the work done by humans, and by enabling completely new business models [1]. The societal transition from current ICT to future AI society, and steering of this process, are among the biggest challenges of our time [3] These systems are designed to reduce human intervention, relevant questions remain about their responsible and ethical use, their short-term and long-term impact on individuals and societies, and on humanity in general [4,5]. AI technologies give rise to a plethora of ethical issues as the design and use of autonomous intelligent systems are socially and culturally embedded [11]. The ethical decision-making in AI design is context-dependent, defying traditional principles-based approaches

Attempts to Approach Ethical Issues in Design

A framework to Discuss and Analyze Ethical Issues

Identification of Ethical Principles and Values Affected by AIS

Identification of Context-Specific Ethical Values

Analysis and Understanding of Ethical Issues within the Context

Discussion