The event wraps up today in the Catalan city after four days in which robots in action — whether in productive tasks or companion roles — took center stage across exhibition stands. At the same time, several venues hosted discussions on the ethical implications of robotics.

Kate Darling, a researcher at the Boston Dynamics AI Institute, framed ethics as a structural element of technological innovation. In one of the debates organized at Talent Arena — a parallel expo to MWC hosted by Mobile World Capital Barcelona — she proposed embedding ethics and governance principles from the early design stages of artificial intelligence systems.

She explained that there is a tendency to focus on machines rather than holding humans accountable. "When we shift the blame to the machine, we are not addressing the real issue; people and companies must take responsibility," she stressed. In the workplace context, the expert rejected the idea that robots are to blame for destroying jobs.

Meanwhile, a panel at the 4 Years From Now (4YFN) event addressed fundamental rights in relation to AI and robotics. The Catalan Data Protection Authority (Autoridad Catalana de Protección de Datos, APDCAT) highlighted the need for responsible design and use of intelligent robots to safeguard privacy and security.

The agency’s director, Meritxell Borràs i Solé, warned that the integration of smart technologies into the home poses risks to fundamental rights. She also said authorities must take a proactive role when setting boundaries.