Robot rights: Advocates fight for the sentient robots of the future

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 3, 2022

Insight summary

The concept of robot rights stirs up a contentious debate, with some experts advocating for their necessity as artificial intelligence (AI) and robots evolve towards potential sentience, while others warn of the risks of absolving developers from the consequences of algorithmic errors. Supporters argue that as robots take on more complex tasks, laws need to be established to govern their actions, drawing parallels to the legal personhood granted to corporations. However, critics caution that such rights could lead to societal issues, such as job displacement, increased inequality, and complex legal challenges.

Robot rights context

The concept of robot rights is a controversial issue among scientists who are actively developing artificial intelligence (AI) systems and adaptive robots. Some experts believe that giving robots rights traditionally associated with humans might allow developers to avoid their part in algorithm mishaps. Other organizations, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Robots (ASPCR), have advocated for robot rights since 1999. 

According to the ASPCR, not recognizing the potential sentience of AI is comparable to dismissing non-European rights in early Western cultures. It’s also quick to address any skepticism, mentioning that the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was similarly the subject of ridicule in the 1890s. The European Parliament has also discussed the obligations and rights of robots. 

Most supporters of robot rights believe that scientists will eventually succeed in developing sentient AI and robots, making it necessary for relevant law authorities to set some groundwork. These laws also become more relevant as robots take on more complex tasks, such as clinical diagnoses and machine operations. Precedent for such initiatives comes from granting personhood to corporations, allowing them to be responsible for their actions. 

Disruptive impact 

Critics of the concept believe that granting legal protection to robots will allow developers to avoid the consequences of their actions. For example, many AI software can produce racist decisions due to a substandard database. Such flaws can lead to certain minorities being excluded from work opportunities, as well as life-and-death complications, especially when it comes to law enforcement and healthcare. 

It’s possible that if AI bots with self-improving algorithms continue to take on complex workplace tasks, they might learn to mimic human emotions and sentience. Given this scenario, while most experts, developers, and lawmakers may discard robot rights currently (2021), this future uncanny valley of AI mimicry may shift public opinion in the favor of AI sentience. However, there may be issues of how to make these sentient robots accountable for their actions, particularly as insurance companies grapple with cyber risks and AI ethics.

Gradually, we may see a future scenario where lawmakers create increasingly inclusive but clear distinctions between legal and natural or human rights. Corporate personhood may form the basis of the legal framework for robots, creating liability laws proportional to their level of responsibility and ability to self-correct. Robotic firms may increase their research into AI ethics, including the possibility of creating machines advanced general intelligence (AGI).

Implications of robot rights

Wider implications of robot rights may include: 

• Protecting developers from unintended consequences of algorithms they can’t control.


• Encouraging policy experts to include robot rights in college curriculums, preparing future lawyers for legal cases regarding robots in corporate settings. 


• Increasing public distrust against robots, causing a reduction in sales of AI devices like cleaning and disinfecting bots.


• Establishing a new niche in popular, progressive, social activism that advocates for robot rights.


• Technological innovation and competition as companies and researchers strive to develop more advanced and ethical AI.


• Significant job displacement and increased unemployment, as machines replace human workers in various sectors, worsening income inequality and social unrest.


• Complex political and legal challenges as governments and legal systems grapple with defining and enforcing these rights.

Questions to consider

• Do you think robots/AI deserve rights? Do these rights depend on whether robots become sentient or not? 


• Do you think the general attitude of the mass population towards robots is positive? Why or why not?