Hybrid Humanoid Robot; Biomimicry’s Relationship With Military Robotic Investment Programs: How the Public Should Demand Safety in a World of Advanced Robotics

Throughout the history of the US Military, there has been a consistent theme of technological improvement. What was first exemplified by animals performing costly military-related activities instead of people is now improved again as the military seeks to implement advanced robots instead of animals. By investing in biomimetic robotics to mimic the kinesthetic abilities of animals, the military hopes to maintain all the biological advantages of using animals while removing risks such as the lack of control and the risk to biological life.

Investment in these programs has an array of effects, and while many of these investment programs appear similar, they may result in a variety of different consequences. Historically, government investment programs have yielded technological breakthroughs that face integration into everyday life. It is because of this that the general public, and more specifically taxpayers, need to be aware of the effects of these robotics investment programs. By understanding the ways in which these programs affect their lives, the public can make demands of the government that ensures their safety is prioritized.

The traditional way of viewing robotic investment programs is to view them under one large umbrella. I believe, however, that instead of viewing government biomimetic robotics programs as one large group, the effects of the programs are better understood if we separate them into categories. By separating this larger group into three categories based on their relevant stakeholders, we can develop a framework to explore their ethical obligations. Additionally, implementing utilitarian elements allows us to judge the potential and actualized goods and harms created by each program as well as the intentions of each program.

Through the development and analysis of this utilitarian framework, it becomes clear that there are underlying patterns and trends with these biomimetic robotic investment programs. These patterns reveal general rules of thumb that the public can use to ensure the government begins acting in their best interests. By reflecting on the findings of this analysis, we can make targeted demands of specific categories of robotics programs instead of general demands of programs we have no jurisdiction over.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Technical Advisor: Pawandeep Matharu

STS Advisor: Pedro Francisco

Technical Team Members: Morgan Carr, Ekow Daniels, Jack de Bruyn Kops, Amelia Dinsmore, Patrick Lam, Carson Peters, Dorian Thomson