Designing robots that do no harm: understanding the challenges of Ethics for Robots

This article describes key challenges in creating an ethics "for" robots. Robot ethics is not only a matter of the effects caused by robotic systems or the uses to which they may be put, but also the ethical rules and principles that these systems ought to follow-what we call "Ethics for Robots." We suggest that the Principle of Nonmaleficence, or "do no harm," is one of the basic elements of an ethics for robots-especially robots that will be used in a healthcare setting. We argue, however, that the implementation of even this basic principle will raise significant challenges for robot designers. In addition to technical challenges, such as ensuring that robots are able to detect salient harms and dangers in the environment, designers will need to determine an appropriate sphere of responsibility for robots and to specify which of various types of harms must be avoided or prevented. These challenges are amplified by the fact that the robots we are currently able to design possess a form of semi-autonomy that differs from other more familiar semi-autonomous agents such as animals or young children. In short, robot designers must identify and overcome the key challenges of an ethics for robots before they may ethically utilize robots in practice.

Effect of the angle of the screw on the stability of the mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy: a study in sheep mandibles

We compared the biomechanical stability of 60 degrees and 90 degrees angles for insertion of screws for fixation of sagittal split ramus osteotomies (SSROs) in 10 sheep mandibles in vitro. After 5 mm advancements, the osteotomies were fixed with screws 2 mm in diameter inserted with a torque control screwdriver at either 60 degrees or 90 degrees to the long axis of bone, in a matched pair experimental design. All specimens were then loaded in a physiological manner and the load-displacement of the osteotomies was recorded. Data for resistance to movement were compared by a paired t -test. The mean (SD) resistance to movement for the 60 degrees and 90 degrees screw insertions was 63.4 (27.7) N/mm and 59 (22.3) N/mm respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups. This correlates with clinical findings.

Management of facial fractures

Dentistry has played an important role in the treatment of facial injuries. New imaging methods, expanded surgical approaches and improved biomaterials have brought about significant improvements in the outcomes. Excellent cosmetic and functional results have been made possible through early definitive intervention.

The effect of screw size and insertion technique on the stability of the mandibular sagittal split osteotomy

The effect of screw size and insertion technique on the stability of sagittal split osteotomies was evaluated on 10 cadaver mandibles. The mandibles were osteotomized, and stabilized with either 2.0- or 2.7-mm stainless steel screws inserted as lag screws or position screws. All specimens were tested on an MTS servohydraulic testing machine (MTS Systems, Inc, Minneapolis, MN) to determine the strength and stability of the fixation. There were no statistically significant differences between the strengths achieved with the different screw sizes or fixation techniques. The primary variable that determined stability seemed to be the quality of the underlying bone.

Bilateral giant cell granulomata of the mandible: report of case

This report of case discusses a bilateral giant cell granulomata of the mandible without the superimposed systemic finding of hyperparathyroidism. This is believed to be the first such report found in the English dental literature.

Management of mandibular trauma with rigid internal fixation

The use of rigid internal fixation has become an acceptable method for the treatment of fractures and continuity defects of the mandible. This technique has a wide variety of applications, including stabilization of mandibular segments for the application of bone grafts. The primary advantage of rigid fixation is that it obviates the need for maxillomandibular fixation associated with the treatment of mandibular trauma by traditional methods. This article reviews twenty cases in which rigid internal fixation was used for the treatment of fractures and continuity defects of the mandible. In only one case was early removal of the implant necessary as a result of infection.