Which author first came up with the 3 laws of robotics?

Isaac Asimov.

The concept of the Three Laws of Robotics was first introduced by science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. He outlined these rules in his 1942 short story “Runaround,” which was later included in his influential collection “I, Robot” (1950). These laws quickly became foundational to the genre of robot-centered science fiction and helped establish a framework for exploring the ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence.

Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics are:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

Asimov introduced these laws not only as practical rules governing robotic behavior but also as a way to explore nuanced moral dilemmas in his stories. For instance, conflicts between the laws often created complex situations that revealed both the strengths and limitations of programming ethical behavior into machines. This approach allowed Asimov to address questions about free will, morality, and the intersection of humanity with technology.

The laws became a hallmark of Asimov’s work and a standard reference point in discussions about artificial intelligence ethics. They have since inspired countless works of science fiction and continue to influence debates in robotics, computer science, and philosophy, underscoring their enduring relevance in both literature and real-world AI development.