Have you found your Digital Happiness?

Apr 30, 2018

Andrew Fullen

A long time ago, especially in IT terms, an American writer called Isaac Asimov created the three laws of robotics.

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

They sound pretty good? But Asimov wrote dozens of novels and stories about all the flaws in such laws and they could be twisted for dramatic effect and to make a good story. That’s fine when you are a writer but I’ve seen a lot of people suggest that these laws (more like rules or guidelines really, or suggestions) be used in control robots and AI s in the real, modern world.

What’s good for a writer isn’t always so good for the rest of us – Asimov found a lot of loopholes (he could have been a good software test or security tester) but we want something more fitting for the 21^st Century.

So where do we start?

I think we move away from 1s and 0s and focus on those nuances that make life interesting (in a good way). Something that turns IT from a two dimensional game of “yes” or “no” and into something more human. Or at least humane.

The answer came to me when reviewing one of our pieces of annual training.

Honesty

Boldness

Trust

Freedom

Team Spirit

Modesty

Fun

These are my company’s seven key values. They are pretty good and a strong way to navigate through the complexities of the 21st Century.

To work with humans, we need an intelligent computer system. We must understand these words and what they mean to the people who deal with these values int heir everyday work.

It’s part of being human. It’s part of being social. It’s part of being more than just a yes or a no. A one or zero.

Be happy. Check out our new report on digital happiness and what it can mean for your business.

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About the author

Andrew Fullen

Head of Technology and Innovation | Sogeti UK

Andrew’s the Head of Technology and Innovation for Sogeti UK, joining the group back in 2009. In this role, he has worked with major clients across government and private sectors. Andrew joined Sogeti UK back in 2009 and is currently the UK’s head of technology and innovation.

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