ETHICS IN THE CONTEXT OF ROBOTICS: FROM BIOETHICAL AND NORMATIVE FOUNDATIONS TO THE GOVERNANCE OF AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the ethical, bioethical, and normative foundations related to robotics and autonomous systems, considering the challenges arising from increasing technological autonomy concerning human dignity, privacy, equity, and accountability. Methodologically, a qualitative, exploratory, bibliographic, and documentary study with a theoretical-analytical approach was conducted, based on a review of scientific literature and national and international, complemented by classical references in the field. The results demonstrate that the expansion of Artificial Intelligence and robotics requires moving beyond approaches focused exclusively on technological functionality, favoring a conception of responsible robotics based on human oversight, bioethics, algorithmic risk prevention, and accountability throughout the systems' life cycle. The analysis also highlights challenges associated with lethal autonomous weapon systems and the attribution of legal personality to technologies. It is concluded that the governance of autonomous systems should prioritize human and sociotechnical responsibility, emphasizing, in the Mozambican context, the need to strengthen regulatory frameworks and national strategies for the ethical governance of Artificial Intelligence.