Development of socially sustainable traffic-control principles for self-driving vehicles: The ethics of anthropocentric design

Abstract

Converging effect of communication, sensing, and in-vehicle computing technology has ensured potential to develop large-scale deployment of self-driving vehicles. Considering the potential impact of this technology, the approach for development cannot overlook needs regarding sustainability and social considerations. This paper argues that control technology for self-driving vehicles has both direct and indirect effect on fundamental human rights, and that the anthropocentric design perspective is a necessary ethical approach. Furthermore, we present current perspectives on operational principles, and relevant theoretical and empirical social implications. We conclude that there is potential for development of traffic-control principles for self-driving vehicles on the basis of mutually-advantageous cooperative production. Finally, we present several important areas for further investigation.