BS 8611:2023

This British Standard gives guidance on the identification of potential ethical harm and provides guidelines on the design control of robots through their whole lifecycle. It builds on existing safety requirements for different types of robots (e.g. industrial, personal care, service and medical).

This British Standard describes ethical hazards associated with robots and provides guidance to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with these ethical hazards. Significant ethical hazards are presented and guidance is given on how these hazards can be addressed for various robots, where possible.

Ethical hazards are broader than physical hazards; they additionally include psychological and social hazards (physical hazards imply ethical hazards and safety design features are part of ethical design). Safety elements are covered by safety standards; this British Standard is concerned with ethical elements.

This British Standard is primarily intended for use by designers and managers.