Wednesday, June 22, 2016

"Europe's robots to become 'electronic persons' under draft plan"

Germany (Reuters) - Europe's growing army of robot workers could be classed as "electronic persons" and their owners liable to paying social security for them if the European Union adopts a draft plan to address the realities of a new industrial revolution.

Robots are being deployed in ever-greater numbers in factories and also taking on tasks such as personal care or surgery, raising fears over unemployment, wealth inequality and alienation.

Their growing intelligence, pervasiveness and autonomy requires rethinking everything from taxation to legal liability, a draft European Parliament motion, dated May 31, suggests.

Some robots are even taking on a human form. (skipping down)

The motion faces an uphill battle to win backing from the various political blocks in European Parliament. Even if it did get enough support to pass, it would be a non-binding resolution as the Parliament lacks the authority to propose legislation. (Link to story)

12 comments:

edutcher said...

No wonder Brexit is gaining strength.

Shouting Thomas said...

Well, people are beginning to grapple with the reality of the end of useful work.

How will income and necessities be distributed?

ndspinelli said...

We started watching Mr. Robot on Amazon TV. Like it so far. There aren't actually any robots in it.

john said...

Do they have electronic genders? Should I be worried if my daughter encounters one in a Target bathroom?

ndspinelli said...

ed, Brexit is sorta like Trump. All the establishment are telling voters it's stupid, it's insane, DON'T DO IT. The vote tomorrow may portend November.

ndspinelli said...

john, LOL! One of the beauties of robots is they don't shit or piss.

ndspinelli said...

But, They may be in there cleaning.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Will they design robots to fix pot holes? Build bridges and highways? oh right -we don't do that anymore.
Our taxes go the the democrat party and celebrity cocktail parties at Katy Parry's mansions.

The Dude said...

I can see it now - the NAACR, assuming they paint the damned things.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

The GOP wants to kick your robot off food stamps and throw them off a cliff.

ndspinelli said...

LOL!

Methadras said...

And we wonder why Brexit is occurring?