An accessible overview of the machine ethics technology likely to be installed in military and police robots and in civilian robots with security functions such as childcare. The author builds upon existing research to define the conditions under which robotic force can and should be used to preserve human security.

Introduction Chapter 1: Concepts Chapter 2: Method Chapter 3: Requirements Chapter 4: Solution Design Chapter 5: Development – Specific Norm Tests Chapter 6: Development – Knowledge Representation Chapter 7: Development – Basic Physical Needs Cases Chapter 8: Development – Fairness and Autonomy Cases Chapter 9: Moral Variation Chapter 10: Testing Chapter 11: Production

"A timely and unusually readable contribution to machine ethics – the project of making moral decisions in machines – Ethics and Security Automata provides an accessible overview as to how machines might make foundational moral decisions that affect human beings in a range of situations in war and peace. It is remarkable for its clarity and its ethical even-handedness. A book that is both technically and ethically interesting. Highly recommended." - Dr. Jai Galliott, Lecturer in Cyber Security, The University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy"This book is a "must read" for anybody responsible for programming, supplying and deploying autonomous military and security robots. It is also recommended for a general audience. With clear and comprehensible discussion and detailed case analyses, Sean Welsh presents issues that many view as impenetrable, or scary, in a practical, constructive and highly enlightening manner. As James Moor, a pioneer of robot ethics, once said, machine ethics forces us to do a better, clearer, programmable ethical theory: Ethics and Security Automata is a fine example of this project carried out in practical detail." - Dr. Peter Boltuc, Professor of Philosophy, University of Illinois Springfield