Humanoid robot intervention in social skill augmentation of brain-impaired children: The ethics

This paper provides insights on the ethics involved in using humanoids for social skill augmentation of brain impaired children. For a developing nation like Malaysia, where tradition and religious values are of significant importance to the melting pot populace, an ethics draft or framework should be in place as humanoid assistive technology for brain-impaired children is new and at the infant stage. Furthermore, intervening into the inclusive environment of the special-needs children requires tact and diplomacy. Nevertheless, based on comprehensive library research and secondary data analysis, an ethic draft or framework is required because of the sensitivity to cultural norms. In addition, continued promotion of using human-like robots in educating and skilling the special-needs children will lead to a gradual understanding and acceptance for the teachers, caregivers, parents, and other stakeholders. As such, the ethical concerns are described and discussed including identifying ways in which robots could have a negative impact of impeding the access of the brain-impaired children to essential capabilities and the social implications of being around machines. It is also recommended that a policy on robotic assistive technology and pediatric psychology be drafted as this is a new area for Malaysia. Lastly, respect and dignity of the brain-impaired children should, at all times, be practiced as they too have their rights as a human being and a citizen of Malaysia.