Panel Discussion 'Human-Machine Interaction and Responsibility'

DFG Event Report (English, Japanese)

Rapid advancements in new technologies, such as robots and AI, brought about new social practices and realities. These developments come with manifold expectations and concerns, which mirror our understanding of what it means to be human. In addition, these new technologies urge us to re-examine our understanding of key concepts such as responsibility and think about the kind of future society in which we would like to live.

Drawing on perspectives from technological development, psychology, philosophy, social sciences, literature and art studies, experts discussed questions on psycho-social aspects of human-machine interaction and their consequences, as well as ethical, legal, and socio-political implications. One important issue was people’s rights and responsibilities when collaborating with machines and AI: Who will be credited for achievements, and who will be held responsible for tragic accidents? Furthermore, how does responsibility depend on the context and type of interaction between humans and machines? How should robots or AI be designed to be beneficial for society? Finally, what could a concept of co-responsibility look like?

Following the panelists’ presentations, a dynamic exchange of ideas took place, where the issues of accountability, rights, and the changing perspectives on subject-object relationships between humans and machines were explored through different lenses and academic disciplines. The discussion also also delved into the question of how robots and artificial intelligence can be defined and how constructive engagement with these topics can lead to fruitful debates on matters such as environmental responsibility and planetary stewardship. The event was attended by more than 40 participants.

Program

15:00 Doors open
15:15 Opening greetings by Professor Dr. Franz Waldenberger, Director of the DIJ and Dr. Laura Blecken, Head of Programs of the DWIH Tokyo / Deputy Director of the DAAD Tokyo
15:30 Short presentations by panelists
16:30 Coffee Break
17:00 Panel Discussion
18:00 End

Speakers

Dr. Eva Buddeberg, Academic Counsel, Institute of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt (panelist)

Dr. Arisa Ema, Associate Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo / Visiting Researcher, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (panelist)

Dr. Friederike Eyssel, Professor, CITEC Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology, Bielefeld University (panelist)

Dr. Jiré Emine Gözen, Professor for Media and Cultural Theory, Campus Hamburg, University of Europe for Applied Sciences (panelist)

Dr. Randy Gomez, Chief Scientist, Honda Research Institute (HRI) (panelist)

Dr. Celia Spoden, Senior Research Fellow, German Institute for Japanese Studies (moderator)