Robots could soon be classified as "electronic persons"

PanARMENIAN.Net - In a move that shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody tracking the subtle robotic takeover, it appears the next step towards world domination is about to take place, Digital Spy said.

A new proposal from the European Parliament has called for working robots to be classified as "electronic persons," and for their owners to pay social security on their behalf.

The draft motion aims to address the challenges that Europe's robotic workforce will present as the technology becomes more advanced. The proposal also states that growing automation will require fresh frameworks for taxation and liability, though the move is expected to face opposition from robotics companies, Digital Spy said.

While it aims to address unemployment and inequality concerns by considering only "the most sophisticated autonomous robots" for classification, rights and obligations, a framework was not expected by those within the industry for some decades.