Autonomy, Robotics, and Dependability

There is currently intense interest in robotic and autonomous systems, both in the technical and engineering communities and more broadly. These systems have always been appealing as they blend social impact, technology, science fiction, and philosophy with newsworthy speculation and sensationalism in imagined futures. These futures might arrive much faster than we thought as technology (sensors, actuators, power, and sensing and learning) converges with strong business drivers and social need.