Cross-cultural considerations in establishing roboethics for neuro-robot applications

Robot-user interfaces have become more intuitive as a direct consequence of the advances in computer interface design. Yet direct brain interfaces, made possible by recent advances in nano-technology and implanted cerebral electrode arrays, have the potential to eliminate these physical interfaces. However, direct brain interfaces may at the same time pose ethical questions related to the enhancement of human function through interpretation of thought processes alone. We have identified three issues that are core in the development of roboethics: how best to direct and pace the deployment and use of the technology; how to distinguish between, and perhaps as necessary redefine, what constitutes enhancement vs. functional compensation; and how to understand responsibility in a system where traditional man-machine boundaries are blurred. This paper discusses some of these issues against the backdrop of today's multi-cultural society.