On May 13, 2024, Carlotta Rigotti took the stage at WOROBET 2024, a workshop dedicated to robot ethics, which was part of the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation held in Yokohama, Japan. Her presentation, titled “Ensuring Sexual Safety in Human-Machine Interactions,” was based on a paper co-authored with Eduard Fosch-Villaronga. The workshop drew considerable attention from academics, industry professionals, and policymakers interested in the ethical implications of robotics.
Rigotti’s presentation focused on the regulation of sex robots, a topic that remains legally ambiguous and controversial. She explored potential classifications for these human-like machines within existing regulatory frameworks, including the AI Act and various international standards. Her examination aimed to provide clarity on how these devices could be integrated into current legal structures, which often lag behind technological advancements.
A significant portion of Rigotti’s talk was dedicated to the principle of sexual safety, an area she argued is critical yet often overlooked. Sexual safety encompasses both the freedom from sexual violence and the mitigation of health risks associated with human-machine interactions. Rigotti highlighted the need for comprehensive regulations that ensure the safe and ethical use of sex robots, stressing that these regulations should protect users from potential harms while also respecting their autonomy and rights.
To address these concerns, Rigotti proposed a series of actionable recommendations. One of her key suggestions was the development of consent-based safe-use guidelines. These guidelines would outline clear protocols for ensuring that interactions with sex robots are consensual and safe, thereby reducing the risk of harm to users. Additionally, she advocated for prioritizing user safety in the design and manufacturing of sex robots. This includes incorporating features that can detect and respond to potential safety issues, as well as ensuring that the materials used are non-toxic and hygienic.
Rigotti also emphasized the importance of a nuanced understanding of intimacy in human-machine interactions. She argued that as technology evolves, it is crucial to consider how these interactions affect human emotions and relationships. By fostering a deeper understanding of these dynamics, stakeholders can better anticipate the potential impacts of sex robots on society and develop guidelines that promote positive outcomes.
Throughout her presentation, Rigotti called for a collaborative approach to regulation, involving input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including technologists, ethicists, legal experts, and user representatives. She stressed that only through such a multidisciplinary effort can the complex challenges associated with sex robots be effectively addressed.
Rigotti’s presentation at WOROBET 2024 provided valuable insights into the regulation of sex robots and highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive and thoughtful policies in this emerging field. Her recommendations aimed to balance the promotion of technological innovation with the protection of user safety and ethical standards, setting the stage for future discussions and developments in human-machine interactions.
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