Artificial intelligence and autonomous devices in legal context: on development of the first Russian law on robotics

Currently in Russia there is no systematic research in the area of robotics as a complex of social relationships the object of which comprises production, distribution and use of automated technical systems. In connection with this it is required to develop a roadmap which implies, inter alia, development of new legislation on the matter. Regulation of robotics shall be built on the interdisciplinary bases and include civil law, informational law and administrative law components. That being said, the legislation on robotics shall be developed in several stages. First of all, pursuant to analysis of priorities and technological capabilities – preparation and adoption of the state concept of development of the Russian robotics including a set of questions related to law and legislation. Then, development and adoption of the basic legislation in this area including classification of robots and spheres of their application, determining rights and duties of various subjects of relationships, grounds and procedure for accounting or registration of robot models and criteria of relating robots to sources of increased danger. After developing the law on robotics “package” changes will be required in specific sectors where robots are or will be implemented. The final stage shall include departmental correction of subordinate legislation. The article contains the text of the first draft bill which aims at initiating the discussion in the area of legal regulation of robotics.