Abstract

The current development of robotics and A.I. poses new challenges for the lawgiver as well for jurisprudence, because humans and robots interact more and more each day, in an increasing number of fields. This essay analyzes the interplay between technological innovation in robotics and its legal implications dealing with the tort liability system. The rules on responsibility must face certain technological features of the new generation of robots, such as autonomy and self learning and adaptative abilities. The European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2017 with recommendations to the Commission on Civil Law Rules on Robotics focuses on this problem and sets new proposals to overcome supposed legislative gaps. However, one crucial question is if traditional assumptions of the legal system can satisfactorily delineate the responsibility.