SCIENCE ROBOTICS | EDITORIAL
ROBOTS AND SOCIETY
Science Robotics: Helping
build better robots
for a better future Brad Nelson is the Chief
Scientific Advisor of
Science Robotics and the
R
Professor of Robotics
and Intelligent Systems
at ETH Zürich, Zurich,
obotics asks the deep questions. We These are the kinds of questions Science Robotics Switzerland. Email:
want to build machines that achieve attempts to answer. In my new role as Chief Scientific [email protected].
a given task in an uncertain world. Our Advisor, I am confident that the journal can continue
first question is how our machines to be a forum for tackling the deepest, most important
represent this world. How compli- questions in robotics, and I am excited to help guide the
cated must this representation be? journal into the next phase of its journey.
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Is it mathematical, numerical, or Given the early success of Science Robotics since its
semantic? Do we need to represent it using “simple” inception 5 years ago, the journal is poised to build on
linear algebra, nonlinear systems theory, or semantics, its well-deserved reputation to expand its mission.
or do we admit that our algorithms and math are not Articles and interviews of popular interest can be readily
working and try deep learning? The next question we incorporated into the periodical. The history of robot-
ask concerns perception. How do we determine the ics is longer than many working in the field are aware
parameters of these models and the sensors we need to of, and decades-long perspectives from robotics leaders
provide this information, and how should the structure will help illuminate the field’s roots. Deeply philosoph-
of these representations change as our machines per- ical perspectives can be included, and futuristic visions
ceive their changing environments? The biggest ques- have a place in the journal.
tion we ask, though, is what makes our robots intelligent? We cannot forget that the primary mission of Science
How do we connect our sensors with our representa- Robotics is to provide the best avenue for roboticists
tions and with the actions our machines must take to to present their work to their peers and to the general
achieve their goals? No other field in science or engi- public. In doing this, we must maintain a reputation
neering asks questions like these all at once. These are for high standards and fairness. We must also take the
hard questions without clear solutions and often without opportunity to, on occasion, place new developments
clear paths toward solutions. in perspective and propose roadmaps to help guide
A single roboticist does not deal with all of this on the field. We must also help guide public policy in our
their own, but all of us, from many areas of science and domain while maintaining the trust and respect of
engineering, are building the knowledge and the tech- the public.
nology that allows us to take a leap forward every now Another key mission of Science Robotics is to help
and then. Our foundation consists of mechanical systems, educate the next generation. Our field is an educational
electronic systems, and computers, but we are increas- gold mine, and we must not shy away from using it
ingly adding new materials with interesting properties, to encourage younger generations to consider focusing
approaches inspired by biological organisms that evolved their education on STEM. We should highlight the
solutions to many of these problems over eons, and new efforts going on around the world that use robotics
forays into the physics of collective behaviors. to teach young students about science, technology,
As robots become more capable, the questions be- engineering, and math. We should not limit ourselves
come deeper. What are the socioeconomic implications? to the most advanced efforts, but just as importantly,
What about the ethical questions that have not been we should make the field aware of many robotics proj-
considered? How will we interact with our world differ- ects in the Global South, where institutes focused on
ently as daily interactions with robots become common? science and engineering are enthusiastically emerging. Copyright © 2022
But the most fundamental question we will inevita- The Authors, some
rights reserved;
bly face in the distant future is, what does it mean to
exclusive licensee
be human? – Bradley J. Nelson
American Association
for the Advancement
of Science. No claim
to original U.S.
Government Works
Nelson, Sci. Robot. 7, eadd4134 (2022) 27 July 2022 1 of 1
Science Robotics: Helping build better robots for a better future
Bradley J. Nelson
Sci. Robot., 7 (68), eadd4134.
DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.add4134
View the article online
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.add4134
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Copyright © 2022 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim
to original U.S. Government Works
