Saving Energy with the Internet of Things

By: Raymond Morris

What is it?The “Internet of Things”

Network of communication between devices i.e. electronics, computers, and power grids

Bots – smart computer programsUsed to monitor and control networks

Energy use minimized by botsEliminates excess energy use

Article at: http://www.tuwien.ac.at/en/news/news_detail/article/7193/

8-Step Ethical Decision-MakingStep 1: Ethical Issues

Security of data collected from electronic devices.

More control being given to software. Software can have bugs

Humans can also make errors Software can be tampered with through a network

8-Step Ethical Decision-MakingStep 2: Stakeholders

General public Save energy in homes More convenience

Businesses Save energy use in factories/plants/offices

Earth Energy could possible be used more efficiently

making for a more green planet

8-Step Ethical Decision-MakingStep 3: Possible Solutions

Do not use the Internet of Things at all.Use Internet of Things only within companies

that are overusing too much energy, not for general public.

Let everybody have access to Internet-of-Things-friendly devices.

I would choose the third option, to let everybody have access.

8-Step Ethical Decision-MakingStep 4: Would I let everybody use my

solution?“Let everybody have access to Internet-of-

Things-friendly devices.”Of course I would, letting everybody have

access to it is part of the solution This would be a step forward in revolutionizing the

Internet

This solution treats people as ends because it seeks the greater good, and to benefit everybody with more efficient energy use.

8-Step Ethical Decision-MakingStep 5: Is the solution in accord with human

nature?Yes, the solution is in accord with human

nature because we are advancing ourselves forward by making greater use of the Internet while helping our environment.

Step 5: Is the solution balanced?I think it is balanced in the aspect that we do

not deny everybody a great advantage, and excessiveness would be forcing it upon everybody, instead of offering it.

8-Step Ethical Decision-MakingStep 6: Would majority agree that this is an

efficient means to the end?Yes because everybody benefits in a monetary

and green way.

Step 6: Will this produce the greatest good for the greatest amount of people?It will create the greatest good for as many

people that are willing to use it and trust software.

8-Step Ethical Decision-MakingStep 7: Am I committed to this solution?

I really do believe this solution is a step in the right path of making more effective use of our Internet.

Step 7: Do you choose this solution in an autonomous manner, as the final arbiter of the good, free from the influence of others?I have chosen this solution in accordance with

what I have seen and learned from computer science and the world today.

8-Step Ethical Decision-MakingStep 8: Which philosophy influenced the

solution most?I think realism influenced my solution the most

because using the Internet of Things seems to be the most practical and helpful thing to do with it. Saving energy is just one use of the Internet of

Things. There are many practical applications for bots,

otherwise known as agents. I.e. detecting malfunctions, managing stock in

stores

ACM CodeApplies to the following in General Moral

Imperatives:1.1 Contribute to society and human well-

being.1.2 Avoid harm to others.1.4 Be fair and take action not to discriminate.1.7 Respect the privacy of others.1.8 Honor confidentiality.