Evaluating productivity and accountability in IoT-enabled robotic systems with citizenship-like responsibilities

Abstract

This study explores the integration of "citizenship-like responsibilities" into Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled robotic systems to enhance productivity and accountability. It evaluates the potential of treating advanced robotic systems as entities with defined tasks, contributing to a novel paradigm in industrial ecosystems. A mixed-method approach was employed, utilizing case studies from the industrial and logistics sectors to assess robotic productivity and accountability. Key metrics, including job completion, error reduction, energy utilization, decision traceability, and adaptability, were analyzed. Surveys and interviews with industry experts, ethicists, and robotic engineers further informed the study. The findings reveal that IoT-enabled robots excel in consistency, scalability, and energy efficiency compared to their human counterparts. However, increased autonomy does not always correlate with improved performance, indicating the need for refined algorithms and operational protocols. Accountability mechanisms, while essential for transparency, currently show limited impact on task efficiency and decision-making. Granting robots citizenship-like responsibilities raises significant ethical, legal, and societal considerations. While this approach fosters accountability and integration into human-centered systems, it also challenges traditional frameworks of responsibility and agency. A balanced, multidisciplinary effort is required to ethically and effectively implement such systems. This research informs policymakers, industry leaders, and developers about the implications of introducing advanced autonomous systems into industrial operations. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating ethical considerations and accountability frameworks into the design and deployment of IoT-enabled robotic systems, ensuring sustainable and responsible innovation.