Accelerating cloud computing services, providing government support for industry 4.0 projects and opening the training areas needed by industrialists for digital transformation are important opportunities offered by the technological revolution to business life. In this issue, we will touch upon the indispensable technological building blocks and legal regulations in technological transformation.
THE USE OF ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES IS INCREASING IN TURKEY
The use of robotic technologies to automate production processes in industry is increasing. The use of robotic technologies in Turkey has become remarkable in recent years. Industrialists aim to increase production efficiency and quality by using robotic technologies. Here are the important developments in robotic technologies in our country recently:
According to a research conducted by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the use of robotic technologies in Turkey has increased in the last 3 years. Traditional products and services are being replaced by smart products and services with the spread of disruptive technologies such as sensors, internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud computing.
In this transformation, Turkey is aimed to produce at least 23 smart products with a world-leading market share or brand value in at least one of the disruptive technology areas.
The cost of robotic technologies is decreasing with the development of technology. In this way, smaller businesses can also invest in robotic technologies.
For example, Arçelik announced that it plans to increase the number of robots in its production facilities and digitalize its processes with robotic process automation technologies, data and artificial intelligence technologies, new software development techniques and cloud platform usage.
Turkey's important higher education institutions are carrying out studies to produce Information and Communication Technologies - Robotics and Mechatronic System Technologies.
In order to create a reference for future investments from abroad, competency mapping studies are updated with new technology focuses, cooperation is made to increase awareness, and studies are carried out by the Ministry. In addition to universities, the Ministry aims to carry out these studies for private sector R&D centers, design centers and TGB companies.
The rapid technological progress that has occurred in the last year can be considered as a good opportunity for the development of the industry.
The legal liability aspect of robotic technologies is one of the most dynamic and controversial areas of law. As robots and artificial intelligence systems become increasingly capable of making decisions, the question of who will be responsible for damages resulting from the actions of these systems becomes important. Here are some basic points that can be evaluated on this subject:
Automated Decision Making
Robots can make automated decisions, especially using artificial intelligence. If these decisions lead to harmful consequences, it becomes unclear who will bear responsibility. Conventional law does not provide a framework for damages arising from decisions made without human intervention.
Compensation and Insurance
Compensation mechanisms and insurance policies are being developed for damages caused by robots. For example, special insurance models for autonomous vehicles are being worked on. These types of policies are designed to cover damages that may be caused by robotic technologies.
Product liability
Robotic technologies fall within the scope of product liability law. If a robot causes harm due to design, manufacturing or instruction errors, the manufacturer may be held liable. However, robots' capacity to learn and improve themselves pushes the limits of this responsibility.
New technologies force a change in the fundamental paradigm of criminal law, which is based on the relationship between free will and responsibility. The question of whether a new legal personality should be recognized for artificial intelligence systems or artificial intelligence robots remains before criminal law.
Artificial Intelligence “Personality”
Some legal theorists propose granting “electronic personality” status to advanced artificial intelligence systems. This means that robots can bear legal liability on their own. However, this approach is still controversial and not widely accepted.
Ethics and Regulations
Legal liability of robotic technologies should be regulated not only by legal norms, but also by ethical rules and industry standards. The European Parliament published a report on the legal status of robots in 2017 and discussed the concept of "electronic personality".