An ethical code to prevent humans abusing robots, and vice versa, is being drawn up by South Korea.

The Robot Ethics Charter will cover standards for users and manufacturers and will be released later in 2007.

It is being put together by a five member team of experts that includes futurists and a science fiction writer. The new guidelines could reflect the three laws of robotics put forward by author Isaac Asimov.

Key considerations would include ensuring human control over robots, protecting data acquired by robots and preventing illegal use.