Konert, Anna (Lazarski University), Balcerzak, Tomasz (Lazarski University)

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Rules for the Operation of Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft with Artificial Intelligence

Scheduled for presentation during the Regular Session "Reliability of UAS " (ThB1), Thursday, June 17, 2021, 14:40−15:00, Macedonia Hall

2021 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS), June 15-18, 2021, Athens, Greece

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on April 24, 2024

Abstract

Introduction. This paper will analyze the legal and ethical aspects of using autonomous unmanned aircraft. Full autonomy requires the use of AI which is replete with its own controversies: technological, ethical, moral and legal. The main problem to consider is whether the public is ready for autonomous drones since it is extremely difficult to develop satisfactory validation systems which would make the technology safe and would act like humans. And if so, do we have the technological infrastructure ready for such operations? And if we do, what are the legal consequences in case of an accident? Material and methods: The method of study comprises a survey analysis and a content analysis of existing legislations and literature. Results: The study results show that the more formalized the process of ensuring the safe and compatible functioning of systems based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, the greater the level of trust. There is also a practical problem in determining what an autonomous drone is and who should bear responsibility in the case of autonomous or semi-autonomous systems with no human control. The current civil liability regulations need to be adjusted to consider the problems that may arise in the event of damages caused by autonomous unmanned aircraft.