Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
04:36
Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
Robots, Death, and Medicolegal Death Investigation
Joseph A Prahlow1, Tatiana Bihun1, Jeffrey J Barnard2
1Department of Pathology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Office of the Medical Examiner-City of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.
Summary
Forensic pathologists are increasingly encountering robot-related deaths. This study presents cases involving robots in medicolegal death investigations, highlighting future challenges and impacts on forensic pathology practice.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Robotics
- Medicolegal Death Investigation
Background:
- Robotics are increasingly integrated into consumer, commercial, and government sectors.
- Forensic pathologists are likely to encounter more deaths involving robotic systems.
- Existing medicolegal death investigation protocols may need adaptation for robot-related incidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To share experiences with robot-related deaths and death scenes.
- To analyze the impact of advanced robotic systems on forensic pathology practice.
- To present case reports illustrating robot involvement in medicolegal investigations.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of 4 medicolegal case reports involving advanced robotic systems.
- Review of robot-assisted scene safety, threat assessment, and interaction with decedents/weapons.
- Analysis of the role of robots in suicide, homicide-suicide, and active shooter scenarios.
Main Results:
- Robotic systems were utilized for scene safety, threat assessment, and evidence interaction in 4 cases.
- Cases included bomb-disposal robots, drones, and robots used in weapon handling and active shooter neutralization.
- Robots confirmed deaths, manipulated firearms (causing discharge), and assisted in scene security.
Conclusions:
- Forensic pathologists will face more deaths involving semi-autonomous or autonomous systems.
- Future cases may involve accidental deaths caused by robots or criminal homicides.
- Specialized investigations and potential jurisdictional adjustments will be required for robot-related deaths.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
01:18Autophagic Cell Death
Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
Resolving an ethical dilemma in healthcare involves a systematic approach that considers every aspect of the issue, respecting both the patient's needs and values and the healthcare professional's ethical obligations. Here are potential steps to resolve an ethical dilemma:
01:56Ethics in Research
Today, scientists agree that good research is ethical in nature and is guided by a basic respect for human dignity and safety. However, this has not always been the case. Modern researchers must demonstrate that the research they perform is ethically sound.
01:16Necrosis
Necrosis is considered as an “accidental” or unexpected form of cell death that ends in cell lysis. The first noticeable mention of “necrosis” was in 1859 when Rudolf Virchow used this term to describe advanced tissue breakdown in his compilation titled “Cell Pathology”.
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
01:30Psychosurgery
Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...