An automatic system is programmed to operate without a human providing inputs for each operation.
Example 1: Robot vacuum cleaner
A robot vacuum cleaner could follow a set path, or be programmed to change direction if it was close to (or hit) an obstacle, like a piece of furniture or a wall. The robot does not set the conditions that allow it to decide what an obstacle is, or how far it has to be from an obstacle. The conditions are set by a human and used in a program followed by a robot.
Benefit:, the householder could save time, because they do not have to repeatedly carry out the task of vacuuming a room.
Impact
The use of automated time-saving devices could mean that a culture's practices evolve so that society uses the time saved differently, perhaps to spend more time with family or carry out paid work.
Ethical considerations: if some people do not have access to these time-saving technologies (because they cannot afford them, or do not have access to electricity), the cultural changes and subsequent benefits to their society will not be available. This could cause inequalities in development between societies, and could mean that people are disadvantaged unfairly.
Example 2: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/'drones')
There are plans for 165 miles of drone superhighway that will link airspace over the Midlands and the south of England. This will enable a range of activities, such as the delivery of vaccines and blood samples and support for search and rescue missions, to be carried out using drones piloted by computers.
Impact
Through the introduction of remote medical deliveries, the cultural practices of a society's health service can be adapted so that remote communities can be better served, health professionals can be redeployed to concentrate on other tasks, access to healthcare can be improved, and life expectancy can be increased.
Ethical considerations from the use of CPR equipment drones: some are concerned that people who are present in this situation may not be confident with the use of the technology, or may rely too heavily on the technology, or the CPR they would otherwise give while waiting for the drone could be interrupted. Therefore, introducing this sort of technology could cause harm to some people.