Glossary Entry: Three Laws of Robotics

Quick Definition

Created by the famous science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, the Three Laws of Robotics are a fictional set of rules that govern how AIs operate. To be more specific, they are a safeguard against the AI turning on humanity, either by their own choice or through manipulation by immoral people.

Over time, other writers adopted the Three Laws, creating many robots and other forms of artificial intelligence that obey them. Robots that follow these Laws are called "Three Laws compliant".

The Three Laws of Robotics
As quoted in Runaround by Isaac Asimov

First Law

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

Second Law

A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

Third Law

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.


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