Robotics and autonomous systems in public realm: an exploration of human, ethical and societal issues in emergency first response operations

Abstract

In the face of increasing threats from climate change and natural hazards, the need for faster, safer, and more effective first response operations has become paramount. This has led to a growing focus on the potential of robotics aids and autonomous systems to support first responders in their duties. While these technologies hold promise for more efficient onsite operations and reduced risk exposure for first responders, there are emerging concerns about their adaptability to real environment constraints, usability, and societal impacts. Scientific literature only mention high-level concerns about human-centric approach and generic ethical issues, but these are worthy to be identified and elicited in parallel with the evolution of technical requirements and specification, to build capacity of estimating the extent of new operating methods and procedures impact on victims and responders, but also on other stakeholders. Guidelines to steer choices of emergency personnel already exist, for instance in the case of medical personnel, but first response automation might imply unknown or indefinite dilemmas on aspects such as fairness and discrimination, false or excessive expectations, privacy, physical and psychological safety, liability. The paper proposes a review of the current status of human and societal issues in robotics and automation, eliciting human factors and ergonomics specific issues to foster the human-centric approach claimed by European Union.

Keywords: Disaster, first response, autonomous systems, robotics aids, human related issues

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005016