Robotics ordinance ahead of the 8-ball
Sometimes it is wise to be a fast follower, other times it is great to be the first in, but rarely is it wise to be 20 years behind.
Recently I proposed that our lovely city, Coeur d'Alene, get a jump on showing the robotics revolution that we are pro research and development when it comes to the use of our public lands.
A few weeks ago, the UK released a report that suggested they turn old factories and farm land into robotic testing centers so corporations and startups can utilize the space. One would assume that this would be done to remove concern of interference and to dedicate space so the companies know where they can experiment. To me and apparently some of my friends across the pond, it makes sense to go to great lengths to position ourselves so we all can participate in the estimated $1.9 trillion to $6 trillion a year industry of robotics by 2025.
It has come to my attention that some folks here in Coeur d'Alene and the region are concerned that the proposed ordinances would interfere with the industry growing. I have sat with some of these concerned individuals, fielded their calls, and responded to their emails. Most of the time the conversation leads to a productive place where it is understood that we must do whatever we can to attract and protect the expansion of high paying industries to our region. Robotics especially makes sense due to our historic background in manufacturing and the current surge of local efforts around robotics.
After talking to the concerned parties, I have to agree that some of the playful parts of the ordinance, based on Azimov's laws, are premature and not needed until robots are truly operating with human-initiated intelligence. Some believe that to be 50+ years away; I believe it to be much closer than that, but we will see.
What I will not back down on and believe is necessary to succeed in the effort to attract and protect robotics R and D in Coeur d'Alene is to specifically and clearly have an ordinance in place that protects the activity of robots being operated on public property for extended periods of time and for citizens to treat the machines with respect while not interfering.
Are there laws that we could pull from to put together a case as to why this is currently allowed? Possibly, but I'd rather have a very clear and definitive ordinance that specifically addresses the protection of robots on public property while conducting research and development. Showing the world that we fully intend to protect the robotics industry growing in our area and will go as far as to develop ordinances that do so doesn't seem too scary to me.
Here's hoping we can take part of a revolution and not end up being left behind.
Nick Smoot of Coeur d'Alene is founder and CEO of Here On Biz (hereonbiz.com). To read more about Smoot: http://nibusinessjournal.com/2014/01/nick-smoot-its-the-task-not-the-path-2