Section 10 of 55
9. Automation, Autonomy and Intelligence
Stable section ID: S05-CON-011-SECTION-10 · 17 content blocks
System05 shall distinguish among automation, autonomy, and intelligence.
Automation is the execution of a predefined process according to specified inputs, conditions, rules, and sequences.
Autonomy is the ability of a system to select or adapt actions within a defined scope without requiring human approval for every individual step.
Intelligence is the ability to interpret information, recognize conditions, generate plans, resolve bounded problems, or make recommendations. Intelligence does not itself establish authority.
A system may be highly automated without being highly autonomous. A robot may perform a precise sequence while every important decision remains predefined and human-approved. Conversely, a planning system may exhibit advanced intelligence while having no authority to execute physical actions.
System05 shall independently define:
- What the robot can physically perform.
- What the robot can perceive.
- What the robot can plan.
- What actions the robot is permitted to execute.
- Under which conditions execution is allowed.
- Which actions require human approval.
- Which actions are prohibited.
- When the robot must stop or escalate.
- How outcomes are verified.
No robot shall infer authority merely from technical capability. Increased intelligence shall not automatically produce increased autonomy, and increased autonomy shall not eliminate accountability.
Deterministic controls, mechanical limits, safety-rated systems, and independent protective devices shall remain responsible for essential safety functions where required.