Robot J1 Project: Protocol

Before the robot can excute a process directive, it must pass protocol certification. If the directive passes all protocol checks, then the directive may be executed. If it does not immediately pass any one of the checks, an additional check will be made for override verification. If the override check passes, the directive may be executed following override guidelines. (EXAMPLE).

Protocol Checks

  • 1. Detail purpose of Process Directive
  • 2. Directive must not cause damage to self (Override)
  • 3. Directive must be ethical (Override)

    • 1. Detail Purpose of Process Directive

    Every process directive must have a purpose. A process purpose detail would be conveyed as "Current Process Directive : Total Command Objective".
    (EXAMPLE).

    2. Directive must not cause damage to self

    The execution of current (or any subsequent) directive must not result in any damage (physical, mechanical, or operational) to self.
    Physical damage is mostly cosmetic (plasic or metal body damage).
    Mechanical damage is damage caused to sensors, motors, or circuits.
    Operational damage is damage rendering the robot unable to continue mobility or processing.
    (EXAMPLE).

    Override: This protocol check may be overriden provided the following checks are met:

  • The operator must understand damage potential
  • The operator must assume responsibility and consequences for potential damage

    • 3. Directive must be ethical

    The execution of current (or any subsequent) directive must pass an ethics check. An ethics violation would occur if a preprogrammed operational rule would be broken by the execution of the directive. Extreme care must be taken in programming ethics rules. In an ideal situation, there would be a multi-tiered level of ethics, such as life. However, for the purpose of Model J1, ethics rules will be binary, a do/don't do situation.
    (EXAMPLE).

    Override: This protocol check may be overriden provided the following checks are met:

  • The operator must understand ethical damage potential
  • The operator must assume responsilibty and consequences for potential ethics damage.

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    Document page written by Joe Thielen.
    Last modified 11/22/1998