We have implemented a simulation of a robot functioning in the domain of eldercare whose behavior is completely determined by an ethical principle. Using a subset of the perceptions and duties that will be required of such a robot, this simulation demonstrates selection of ethically preferable actions in real time using a case-supported principle-based paradigm. We believe that this work could serve as the basis for ensuring that the behavior of all eldercare robots that are created in the future will be ethically justifiable. Further, we believe that the methods used in this project can be employed in other domains as well, to ensure that the robots that humans interact with in these domains will behave ethically.

We advocate a case-supported principle-based behavior paradigm coupled with the Fractal robot architecture as a means to control an eldercare robot. The most ethically preferable action at any given moment is determined using a principle, abstracted from cases where a consensus of ethicists exists.