Advances such as the creation of chatbots capable of engaging in (almost) human conversations, the generation of original works of art or the introduction of autonomous vehicles on streets and highways demonstrate the potential of the technologies of the fifth industrial revolution. Its benefits are evident, but there are more and more voices that highlight the ethical challenges faced by its users and society as a whole.
Learning, critical thinking or communication are characteristics that until now had been considered exclusive to people. However, systems such as artificial intelligence or deep learning are questioning this approach. For this reason, engineers and philosophers around the world are wondering what the limits of robots are in these areas.
One of the most notable works in this field has been recently published by Japanese researchers Tomohide Ibuki (Tokyo University of Sciences), Eisuke Nakazawa (University of Tokyo) and Ai Ibuki (Kyoritsu Women's University), in which explores whether machines can really be trusted with a practice as delicate and subtle as nursing.
In the article in which they summarize their findings, which appeared in the journal Nursing Ethics, they begin by remembering that real professionals demonstrate empathy and establish meaningful connections with their patients. Thanks to this aspect, the authors add, understanding, trust and emotional support are fostered. Are mechanical devices equally responsible and careful?
Well, the promoters of this experiment resolve that robots are perfectly suitable for providing information and presenting treatment options. However, according to what has been observed, it is difficult for machines to capture the values of patients and empathize with them. Furthermore, another relevant drawback is that artificial intelligence cannot be held accountable for its decisions and actions.
To solve this lack, Tomohide Ibuki, Eisuke Nakazawa and Ai Ibuki propose the design of an “explainable” technology, that is, a tool that details why a decision is made instead of another. As nursing is an essentially collaborative task, scientists have also focused on this factor. And they have come to the conclusion that most people are not yet ready to cooperate with robots in these tasks.
