Security robots, drones and autonomous security systems provide advanced
solutions to increase the level of surveillance in our societies and public spaces. The
rising question is to what extent these new security-enhancing surveillance measures
are preferable and justifiable. As an exemplary case, smart security robots (SSRs) are
examined. SSRs are physical devices that can move autonomously and react to their
environment. Emerging technologies enable the equipment of these robots with more
complex functions such as voice commanding and guidance, physical intervening, and
autonomous predicting mechanisms. The essential ethical and societal challenges
related to security robots are recognized in the earlier literature. The article focuses on
the ethical problems in the specific case of smart security robots and possibilities to
solve those by means of legal regulation and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Firstly, the article presents and analyzes the complex nature of moral and legal liability
in failures of SSRs. Secondly, from the perspective of transparency and visibility, it is
argued that SSRs might offer better outcomes than other smart security systems.
Thirdly, biases and politics included in the use of SSRs are considered. The article
argues for better incorporation of ethics research, smart regulation and CSR practices.