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Autonomous Robot Liability

Who is liable if a robot causes injury?

Generally the owner/operator, but liability can shift to the manufacturer if a product defect caused the malfunction.

Is robot insurance necessary?

Yes, third-party liability insurance is crucial to cover unforeseen damages caused by autonomous systems.

Is a robot a legal entity?

No, under Georgian law, a robot is property, not a person, so it cannot bear legal liability itself.

How can manufacturers protect themselves?

By providing clear safety instructions, adhering to ISO standards, and including liability limitations in user agreements.

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Autonomous Robot Liability is a new and highly complex area of law. Who is at fault if an AI-powered robot (e.g., delivery robot, autonomous taxi, surgical robot) makes a mistake and injures a person or damages property? The manufacturer? The programmer? The operator? Or the robot itself? Georgian legislation is still evolving in this direction, but existing Civil Code and product safety rules provide a basis for determining liability. Typically, the principle of "Strict Liability" for the owner of a source of increased danger is applied.

For robotics companies, it is essential to define liability in advance in contracts and have appropriate insurance. Legal.ge offers access to tech law pioneers who will help you manage risks and safely implement innovative products.

What does the Autonomous Robot Service cover?

The service focuses on liability allocation:

  • Legal Risk Assessment: Analyzing what harm a robot could cause and who is liable under current law.
  • Liability Limitation Documents: Including liability disclaimer clauses in user agreements (EULA).
  • Insurance Packages: Consulting on specialized insurance for the robotics field.
  • Compliance with Safety Standards: Implementing ISO standards for robot safety.
  • Court Defense: Representation in damage compensation disputes.

Common Real-World Scenarios

Legal dilemmas in robotics:

  • Accident: An autonomous delivery robot hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Who pays for medical expenses?
  • Medical Error: A robot surgeon made a mistake during an operation due to a technical glitch. Is the clinic or the robot manufacturer liable?
  • Data Collection: A robot films passersby for navigation. How to protect their privacy?

Legal Framework: Increased Danger

Article 999 of the Civil Code of Georgia (Liability of the owner of a source of increased danger) is the main instrument. It establishes that the owner is liable for damage regardless of fault unless force majeure is proven. However, in the case of "smart" robots that make independent decisions, this norm may not be sufficient and requires complex interpretation.

Step-by-Step Service Process

  1. Analysis: Determining the robot's level of autonomy.
  2. Strategy: Developing preventive measures (warnings, training).
  3. Contracts: Refining contracts with suppliers and users.

Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?

Robotics is the future, but legal risks are the present. Lawyers on Legal.ge will help you navigate uncertain legal environments and protect your innovative business from unforeseen losses.

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