Human Vulnerability and Inclusive Robotics

Vulnerability is one of the key ethical concepts on the evaluation of interactive robotics and other potentially disruptive technologies. Recently, vulnerability has been a central concept in several ethical reflections and, also, guidelines and ethical standards. A correct acknowledgment of vulnerability is essential for responsible research and innovation on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. Here, we argue for specific attention to vulnerability when evaluating the ethical adequacy of potentially disruptive technologies, particularly in the case of interactive robotics. First, we propose a version of vulnerability inspired by the work of Florencia Luna andMark Coeckelbergh. Then, we briefly analyse some debates about vulnerability that has been prominent among controversies around transhumanism and human enhancement. Finally, we propose three ethical standards for taking vulnerability into account in ethically responsible technological research.