Now, a robot that makes morally sound decisions!

Washington, Nov 12 (ANI): Two researchers have programmed a robot to behave in an ethical manner, so that it makes morally sound decisions.

Based on certain facts and outcomes, the robot must weigh a decision and make choices about what to do, reports Discovery News.

Philosopher Susan Anderson and her research partner and husband Michael Anderson, a computer scientist created the robot based on an approach to ethics developed in 1930 by Scottish philosopher David Ross.

The approach takes into account the different obligations a person must face-such as being just, doing good, not causing harm, keeping a promise-when deciding how to act in a moral way.

The situation is rooted in the medical field, where the robot's duties involve reminding patients to take their medicine. The robot reminds the patient to take the medication and then after the patient says "no" a couple of times, decides finally to tell the doctor.

The disadvantage, however, is not knowing what the machine would do if the patient says she will take the medication, but then doesn't. And the patient could just flip the off switch. (ANI)