Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Wearable Robotics: Perspectives from the Work of the COST Action on Wearable Robots

Abstract

The COST Action on Wearable Robots (CA16116) brings together a multidisciplinary, cross-European consortium of experts in Wearable Robotics. Ethical, legal and social (ELS) issues in Wearable Robotics have so far been comparatively underexplored. The ELS Working Group of CA16116 aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of ELS issues in Wearable Robotics, identifying relevant values and ethical, philosophical, legal and social concerns related to the design, deployment and practical use of wearable robots. Here, we present a brief overview of the preliminary findings of a literature search and a series of three expert consultation workshops on ELS issues in Wearable Robotics conducted as part of the work of the Action between October 2017 and October 2018.