On the ethical framing of research programs in robotics

Robotic systems and technologies step out of research laboratories jointly with information about long term goals of technological inquiry they are lined up with and about the short-term objectives guiding daily laboratory activities. These various ingredients play crucial roles in the pursuit of what are called here technological research programs. A comprehensive ethical framing of technological research programs is decomposed here into the ethical framing of their long-term and short-term goals, respectively. This approach to the ethical framing of technological research is exemplified by reference to fundamental rights in the context of technological research programs on elderly care and child care robots. Moreover, its significance is highlighted in connection with democratic decision-making about new and emerging technologies, as well as in connection with the cultural production of ignorance which is induced by missing information about the protection and promotion of fundamental rights in the specific context of robotic technologies.