Chapter 1. Limitations of Techno-empowerment: Multi-method Research on the Perception of Autonomous Machines in Human-centered and Sustainable Automation with Artificial Intelligence

Techno-empowerment refers to giving intelligent technology a decision-making power. It is a growing trend, with algorithms being developed to handle tasks like ordering products or investing in stocks without human consent. Nevertheless, people may feel averse to transfer decision-making autonomy to technology. Unfortunately, little attention was paid in the literature regarding what tasks people exclude from being performed autonomously by non-human intelligent actors. Our chapter presents two qualitative studies: the first one examining what decisions people think autonomous technology (AT) should not make, and the another asking workers which tasks they would not transfer to AT. Results show people oppose AT making decisions when task is perceived as (a) requiring empathy, (b) human experience, (c) intuition, (d) complex, (e) potentially harming human life, (f) having long-term effects, (g) affecting personal space, or (h) leading to loss of control. Workers are not willing to delegate such tasks to AT they perceive as (1) time-consuming, (2) demanding social interaction, (3) providing pleasure, (4) difficult, (5) risky, and (6) responsible. Exclusions are driven by three types of perceived risks: material, contextual, and competitive.