Robot arm punches human to obey Asimov’s rules

October 15, 2010 | Source: New Scientist Tech

(B.Povse, D. Koritnik, T Bajd, M Munih)

University of Ljubljana researchers are attempting to define the limits of the speed and acceleration of robots, and the ideal size and shape of the tools they use, so they can safely interact with humans, using volunteers who are struck by a robot.

The objective is to cap the speed a robot should move at when it senses a nearby human, to avoid hurting them.