Europe calls for mandatory 'kill switches' on advanced robots

European Parliament has reportedly approved a proposal for advanced robots to be equipped with mandatory “kill switches” to prevent danger to humans.

Legislation calling for a new charter on how to create “ethical and safe” robotic machines was signed off by Europe’s legal affairs on Thursday, CNN reported.

Key components of the proposal included a “kill switch” allowing robots to be turned off in emergencies, along with the assertion designers of bots do not create machines designed to kill.

Legislator Mady Delvaux told CNN a “robust European legal framework” was essential as the role of robotics in human life increases.

"A growing number of areas of our daily lives are increasingly affected by robotics," Ms Delvaux said.

"To ensure that robots are and will remain in the service of humans, we urgently need to create a robust European legal framework."

Other features of the submission included robots being “identifiable” from humans to prevent emotional attachment.  

"You always have to tell people that robot is not a human and a robot will never be a human," Ms Delvaux said.

"You must never think that a robot is a human and that he loves you."

The report also recommended the owners of advanced robots replacing human workers be “taxed or contribute to social security.”

The issues highlighted in the report are now slated for review by the European Commission, according to CNN.