Emerging responsibility gaps in surgical robotics development

Abstract

Surgical robots have the capacity to assist with and improve surgical procedures. Robotic systems are increasing in autonomy, such that hu- mans are no longer part of the control loop, but assume a supervisory role. This inherently leads to a decreased amount of control over the system. Without meaningful control, traditional interpretations of responsibility are prone to fail in new situations, giving rise to a responsibility gap. In this thesis, we will explore possible emerging responsibility gaps, and more concretely identify them for autonomy levels in surgical robotics. In order to mitigate some of these responsibility gaps, it is proposed that value sensitive design is required, taking into account human psychology.