RoboEthics in COVID-19: A Case Study in Dentistry

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused dramatic effects on the healthcare system, businesses, and education. In many countries, businesses were shut down, universities and schools had to cancel in-person classes, and many workers had to work remotely and socially distance in order to prevent the spread of the virus. These measures opened the door for technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence to play an important role in minimizing the negative effects of such closures. There have been many efforts in the design and development of robotic systems for applications such as disinfection and eldercare. Healthcare education has seen a lot of potential in simulation robots, which offer valuable opportunities for remote learning during the pandemic. However, there are ethical considerations that need to be deliberated in the design and development of such systems. In this paper, we discuss the principles of roboethics and how these can be applied in the new era of COVID-19. We focus on identifying the most relevant ethical principles and apply them to a case study in dentistry education. DenTeach was developed as a portable device that uses sensors and computer simulation to make dental education more efficient. DenTeach makes remote instruction possible by allowing students to learn and practice dental procedures from home. We evaluate DenTeach on the principles of data, common good, and safety, and highlight the importance of roboethics in Canada. The principles identified in this paper can inform researchers and educational institutions considering implementing robots in their curriculum.

Socially Assistive Robots Helping Older Adults through the Pandemic and Life after COVID-19

“…The field started in the 2000s and has aimed to define regulations and standards around the design and use of robots. The main topics covered are [120] (1) the use and storage of data as discussed above, (2) the design of robots for the common good and betterment of humanity, and (3) the safety of both the user and robot.…”

“…Aside from the initial purchasing cost, many robot platforms require a monthly subscription fee; or the software could become outdated. If companies go bankrupt, people are left with a robot they may be emotionally invested in but can no longer use [120]. Universal access to assistive technologies is an ideal, but unfortunately not a reality in many regions, and there is the added cost of ongoing maintenance, disinfection, and repair [102].…”

Les enjeux de l’intelligence artificielle en odontologie

“…Un aspect important, qui a jusqu'à présent reçu peu d'attention, est l'association entre l'intelligence artificielle et le développement d'une odontologie durable, que ce soit dans les décisions en lien avec les soins, mais aussi pour promouvoir des solutions d'IA durables [6,22]. Cette dynamique est le fruit des nombreuses préoccupations entourant l'odontologie, dont l'impact environnemental est même qualifié « d'actuellement non soutenable » par certains auteurs [23,24].…”

Perspectives: Nursing roboethics: ethical issues for artificial intelligence robots, nurses’ roles and the future

“…In recent decades, the discourse of roboethics has emerged while sparking controversy and debate worldwide regarding its neologism. As we reach an era with more complex and intelligent robots, roboethics will become increasingly relevant (Fourtané, 2019), and it raises fundamental ethical questions about the moral dilemmas generated by robot application development (Maddahi et al, 2021). Roboethics is concerned with how AI robots will be developed by being able to learn and potentially make ethical decisions through their own calculation.…”