Hygienic aspects of robotization: Risk factors and safety principles

Abstract

The paper presents a review and essays on the hygienic aspects of the problem of robotics. The absence of generally accepted international terminology is noted. There is given a definition of basic terms as a robot, an artificial intelligence system (AIS), and a cyber-physical system (CFS) - according to authoritative sources. In the literature, the term robot is often used to mean CFS. The origin of robots in Russia is briefly described. The role of AIS as the basis of a technological breakthrough is considered. There is represented statistical data on the scientific, economic, and social aspects of the introduction of robotics. Robots are believed to be more likely to replace tasks rather than jobs and create new types of them. The medical and social aspects of robotization based on the experience of the European Union, the USA, and South Korea are examined, and the prospects of creating "smart jobs" are emphasized. The types of robots and their application in industry and medicine for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation are described. It is emphasized that robots are the most advanced machines. The dangers created by robots, their causes, and possible consequences from physical (noise, vibration), chemical, electrical, ergonomic, and other perils are described. The presence of both "traditional" and new risk factors is noted. The systematics of the stages of human-robot interaction is proposed: Ethical aspects in the design, communication psychology, contacts with the machine during its use and safety aspects, human physiological responses, possible clinical manifestations of health disorders. The safety principles of robots and CFS are formulated, and that the "smarter" the robots, the greater the risks of program failures and breakdowns are noted. The role of information hygiene and the need for training and health education of workers and the population are examined. Estimates are given of the prospects for the robotization of the profession. The occupation of hygienists in the era of digitalization and robotization is noted to have a future.