What makes a Butlerbot a Butlerbot? A Discussion of a Robot Classification System

The paper discusses the development of a classification system for robots, inspired by other ordering systems such as archaeological typology and zoological taxonomy. The paper argues that a robot classification system would help researchers, designers and public discuss specific types of robots—such as robotic hoovers, robotic pets and speculative social multipurpose robots—and the ethical implications they each offer. Inspiration from typology and taxonomy is discussed and the paper points to challenges for the development of a robot classification system and concrete plans for future work.