S. Kate Devitt
Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland
Papers
6
Total Citations
90
H-Index
5
About
S. Kate Devitt is a multidisciplinary researcher whose work sits at the intersection of philosophy, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, with a particular focus on trustworthiness, governance, and human-machine interaction. Her most influential contribution, "Trustworthiness of Autonomous Systems" (2018, 38 citations), established a foundational philosophical and empirical framework for understanding how trust functions in the design and adoption of robotic systems — a work that has shaped subsequent scholarship in human-robot interaction and AI ethics. Devitt's research extends into applied domains, examining how cognitive factors influence the uptake of autonomous agricultural technologies and exploring the contentious legal and ethical terrain surrounding lethal autonomous weapons systems. Her recurring attention to Australia's AI governance in security and defence contexts highlights her role as a policy-relevant voice on responsible military AI development, advocating for rigorous weapons review processes in line with international obligations. Across her body of work, Devitt bridges abstract philosophical inquiry with urgent real-world challenges, from farm adoption barriers to battlefield ethics. With growing citation impact and contributions spanning robotics safety, defence policy, and cognitive science, she has established herself as a distinctive and socially engaged thinker in the global conversation on trustworthy autonomous systems.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Trustworthiness of Autonomous Systems38 citations · 2018
- 2Cognitive factors that affect the adoption of autonomous agriculture20 citations · 2021
- 3Lethal Autonomous Weapons19 citations · 2021
- 4Australia's Approach to AI Governance in Security and Defence6 citations · 2021
- 5Australia's Approach to AI Governance in Security and Defence5 citations · 2023
- 6Trust and Safety2 citations · 2021