MEPs back plans for artificial intelligence and robotics, but ethical concerns remain

MEPs in the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy backed plans on Monday evening (14 January) for a comprehensive policy framework on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, weeks after ethical concerns in the field were highlighted in a EU report. Parliament's report, though not legally binding, gives a clear signal that MEPs will seek to pressure the Commission to draw up an industrial policy for artificial intelligence and robotics. "This is a key area and I am pleased that we have been able to make some strong suggestions on AI," British Conservative MEP Ashley Fox said on Tuesday evening. "The technology is not confined to the boundaries of the single market and it is imperative that the EU work at the international level to agree on standards." MEPs noted the future potential for AI and robotics to transform a number of sectors ranging from health, energy, manufacturing and transport, and also urged member states to develop new training programmes that cultivate skills in areas that are likely to be affected by future autonomous technologies.