Autonomous Manufacturing Processes under Legal Uncertainty

Abstract

In the field of autonomous systems, manufacturers still face a high level of uncertainty, especially in the development phase. These systems are characterized by their ability to adapt to new conditions without any further action by the developer. One of the future challenges will be that autonomous systems continue to evolve during the use phase. These changes are hard to predict because they are affected by the specific product environment. Nevertheless, manufacturers are exposed to liability claims if damage events occur. Uncertainty about the question of the specific conditions for liability results in an incalculable risk for the manufacturer. This paper takes an interdisciplinary approach. The first step is to identify the manufacturers' legal obligations for the entire product lifecycle. These obligations are then checked for their technical feasibility and evaluated in terms of efficiency. Manufacturers can only be obligated to take measures that are sustainable. The aim of the study is to translate the legal requirements for manufacturers of autonomous systems into concrete solutions that are both practical and manageable.