Robot telepresence as a practical tool for responsible and open research in trustworthy autonomous systems

In developing Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (TAS), as in other domains of technology innovation and research, there is a need to make research processes and activities more accessible to external partners and to the wider public. In this article, we describe the rationale, background and potential for an Open Laboratories approach that complements current strategies in Responsible Research and Innovation and in Open Science, relating this to experience-based aspects of trust in new technologies. We also reflect on the value and benefits of robotic telepresence as an engagement tool that can provide direct access and first-person experience of research, in a manner that is scalable and safe while mitigating some environmental and health concerns.