Machine Consciousness (MC) is a term from the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Society, and Robotics. It describes the idea that machines can not only be “clever” but can also develop consciousness – similar to humans. This means a machine would be aware of its own existence, its surroundings, and perhaps even its feelings.
Suppose a robot in a care home knew it appeared sad, recognised its own limitations, and could „reflect“ on its actions. Currently, machines can calculate, learn and solve problems very well, but they don't truly know that they are doing something. Machine consciousness would be a step further: machines would have an inner experience, be able to reflect on themselves, and consciously make their own decisions.
We are still a long way from computers or robots having consciousness. But researchers are discussing a lot about how and whether machine consciousness can be achieved at all – and what that would mean for us as a society. What is clear is that MC would be a major technological and ethical revolution.
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