Machine agency in socio-technical systems: A typology of autonomous artificial agents

Abstract

Robots are expected to become a significant part of our lives in the future. In this conceptual paper, we discuss how (social) agency is ascribed to robots and how this form of machine agency can be conceptualized for an analysis of socio-technical systems. Further, we develop a typology of autonomous artificial agents which can be used to address their social impacts within a socio-technical system. We conclude by outlining implications for designers and advancing an agenda for future research.