BS 8611:2016

This standard BS 8611:2016 Robots and robotic devices. Guide to the ethical design and application of robots and robotic systems is classified in these ICS categories:

• 25.040.30 Industrial robots. Manipulators

This British Standard gives guidance on the identification of potential ethical harm and provides guidelines on safe design, protective measures and information for the design and application of robots. It builds on existing safety requirements for different types of robots; industrial, personal care and medical.

This British Standard describes ethical hazards associated with the use of robots and provides guidance to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with these ethical hazards. Significant ethical hazards are presented and guidance given on how they are to be dealt with for various robot applications.

Ethical hazards are broader than physical hazards. Most physical hazards have associated psychological hazards due to fear and stress. Thus, physical hazards imply ethical hazards and safety design features are part of ethical design. Safety elements are covered by safety standards; this British Standard is concerned with ethical elements.

This British Standard is intended for use by designers and managers, amongst others.