The Dual Nature of AI Smart Robots: Technical Capabilities vs. Ethical Safety Frameworks

Source abstract

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics advance at an unprecedented pace, humanoid and autonomous smart robots are moving from controlled industrial settings into public and domestic spaces. While these machines possess the hardware and computer vision required to execute complex physical tasks, including potentially harmful actions, their operational scope is strictly governed by embedded software guardrails, ethical frameworks, and legal liabilities. This paper examines the interplay between the physical capabilities of AI smart robots, such as actuators and vision processing, and the regulatory, ethical, and fail-safe mechanisms designed to prevent autonomous harm. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that while mechanical capability enables harm, societal, technical, and legal restrictions ensure that AI robots remain safe, nonviolent assistants.