AI - Autonomous Vehicles - Legal Liability in Autonomous Vehicles

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of science and engineering designed to impart human-like intelligence and learning capabilities to computer systems. AI focuses on solving problems, learning, and performing various tasks using complex algorithms and data analysis. This technology enables computers to mimic human-like abilities such as learning, problem-solving, and language understanding.
AI is generally divided into the following subcategories:

1. Strong Artificial Intelligence (General AI): This type of AI refers to a level of artificial intelligence that can mimic general human intelligence and perform various tasks. AI at this level can think and apply knowledge in various domains like humans. However, achieving this level of AI is yet to be realized.
2. Weak Artificial Intelligence (Narrow AI): This type of AI is focused on specific tasks or task sets. Systems that excel in specific tasks like image recognition, speech recognition, or game playing fall into this category.

AI comprises several subfields:

• Machine Learning: A subfield that imparts computer systems with the ability to learn and improve in performing specific tasks.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): A field focusing on enabling computer systems to understand, interpret, and generate human language.
• Computer Vision: An area concentrating on computer systems' ability to analyze and understand visual data.
• Robotics: An area working on computer systems that can perform tasks in the physical world, often involving robots.

AI finds applications in various sectors such as healthcare, finance, automotive, education, and more. However, as the technology advances, issues such as ethics, security, and societal impact become increasingly important.

Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are self-driving vehicles capable of moving and navigating on their own. These vehicles typically use technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensors, radar, cameras, and others to perceive their surroundings and make decisions based on that information. Autonomous vehicles can perform specific tasks without human intervention or travel along a designated route without a driver.
Autonomous vehicles are often classified into levels using a rating system, usually with six levels:

1. Level 0 (Zero Level): The vehicle is entirely operated manually.
2. Level 1 (Driver Assistance System): The vehicle can provide some assistive technologies to the driver, but the driver controls the vehicle.
3. Level 2 (Partial Autonomy): The vehicle can operate autonomously under certain conditions, but the driver can still intervene and retains control.
4. Level 3 (Conditional Autonomy): The vehicle can operate entirely autonomously in specific scenarios, but the driver must receive alerts for certain situations.
5. Level 4 (High Autonomy): The vehicle can operate entirely autonomously in specific scenarios, but the driver must intervene under certain conditions.
6. Level 5 (Full Autonomy): The vehicle can operate entirely autonomously under all driving conditions and does not require any human intervention.

While fully autonomous vehicles have not yet become widely commercialized, advancements in the industry suggest that they may become more prevalent in the future. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to enhance traffic safety, optimize traffic flow, and provide drivers with increased comfort and efficiency.
Legal Liability in Autonomous Vehicles

Legal liability in autonomous vehicles is a complex issue, considering the widespread adoption of this new technology and potential accidents or other legal situations involving autonomous vehicles. Legal responsibility is often based on various factors related to the operation of autonomous vehicles, driver intervention, manufacturer liability, and relationships between other stakeholders. Here are some key issues affecting legal liability in autonomous vehicles:

1. Functioning of Autonomous Vehicles and Technological Liability:
2. Autonomous vehicles typically analyze their surroundings through complex algorithms and sensors, making decisions based on the gathered data. In the case of a collision due to a technological error or failure in an autonomous vehicle, who will be held responsible? Is it the manufacturer, the software provider, or the user?
3. Human Intervention and Liability:
4. Autonomous vehicles often have a driver intervention feature. However, if there is no intervention in the event of an accident, or if the intervention capability is flawed, how will liability be assessed? Will the responsibility lie with the autonomous system or the driver in the case of driver negligence?
5. Manufacturer Liability:
6. Manufacturers of autonomous vehicles are responsible for compliance with safety standards. In the event of a mistake or defect, how will the manufacturer be held accountable? What safety standards and tests should the manufacturer ensure?
7. Legal Framework and Regulations:
8. The necessary legal framework and regulations for the use of autonomous vehicles should be clear. Legal gaps or uncertainties can complicate the determination of legal liability.
9. Insurance and Compensation:
10. In accidents involving autonomous vehicles, insurance and compensation issues are crucial. Matters such as which party can claim compensation and how much may be claimed under specific circumstances can significantly impact the determination of legal liability.

Determining legal liability in autonomous vehicles requires aligning existing legal systems with this new technology and fostering collaboration between legal professionals, engineers, and regulatory authorities.