In Robots We Trust

by Samuele Vinanzi

Overview

In Robots We Trust explores the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines, focusing on the critical issue of trust. As robots become more integrated into our daily lives - from self-driving cars to delivery drones - our society faces a critical question: can we trust them?

Without requiring technical or mathematical expertise, the reader is introduced to the sciences of artificial intelligence and robotics, addressing philosophical debates about machine intelligence and cognition. It examines the psychological, moral, and ethical issues unique to human-robot interactions and the factors that influence our acceptance of these machines, such as their appearance, behaviour, and our own cultural backgrounds. However, trust is a mutual relationship.

In Robots We Trust explores the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines, focusing on the critical issue of trust. As robots become more integrated into our daily lives-from self-driving cars to delivery drones-our society faces two critical questions: can we trust them, and can they trust us?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198952916
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/07/2025
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 1.50(h) x 9.50(d)

About the Author

Samuele Vinanzi, Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University

Dr Samuele Vinanzi is a Lecturer in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Sheffield Hallam University. He has obtained his BSc and MSc in Computer Engineering at the University of Palermo (Italy) and his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Manchester (UK). He is specialized in the area of Cognitive Robotics, which is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles from robotics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and psychology to develop intelligent robotic systems capable of perceiving, reasoning, and interacting with the environment in a human-like manner. His focus is on enabling social collaboration between humans and robots.

Table of Contents

Foreword Acknowledgments Intelligent machines A matter of trust Robots through the ages In our image What's in your mind? The ghost in the machine Humans trusting robots Matter over mind The essence of trust Can a robot be trusted? The human in the loop Imitation game Teaming together To trust or not to trust? Robots trusting humans Trust is a two-way street Sciences of the mind Artificial trust Trust in the future Moral machines and ethical quandaries A society of trust The journey so far The road ahead References Index