Robotics and law: Key legal and regulatory implications of the robotics age (Part I of II) **

In this edition, we explore some of the legal, regulatory and ethical implications of robots and robotic systems and applications. We begin by giving our view of why this emerging technology will become increasingly prevalent and why it is important that lawyers and regulators play an important role in its development. We go on to address the key legal, regulatory and ethical issues in respect of specific types of robotics, including automated vehicles and healthcare robots. We also focus on the impact that robotics will have on core legal practice areas, including data protection, intellectual property, consumer protection and commercial contracting. Our objective is to identify the key legal and regulatory implications of robotics, and to start a dialogue about how our existing legal framework might need to adapt and change to meet the demands of the robotics age. In the next edition, we will continue our focus on key legal issues in respect of different types of robotics and core legal practice areas relevant to the discussion.