Question:
In the event that a person finds himself performing a prohibited action on Shabbat, for example for a sick person, and this action could be commanded not only by a goy but also to "Alexa" or another virtual assistant, what is better? Goy and do amirà or virtual assistant?
Answer:
Use the goy, as using Alexa is not an option. Commanding a robot, is considered as if the person himself did the action, as the robot is not doing it because of his own decision, and because he decided to do it. Rather because it is made in a way that the persons command causes the action robot to do the action. Therefore commanding a robot on Shabbos is not permitted.
Best wishes
