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Explained in plain English

How is robot liability decided?

Deciding liability for a robot's actions is complex. Generally, the owner or operator is responsible, especially if they control it directly, as the Cologne police are investigating here. However, manufacturers or programmers could also be liable if a robot malfunctions due to a design flaw or software error.

Stories that explain this

Robot seized after girl, 16, harassed outside Cologne restaurant

Questions this opens up

What is robot 'personhood'? Are there robot laws? Who pays for robot damage?

Related explainers

How common are public robots? What crime did the robot commit? What if a robot turns violent? What if the robot is autonomous? Who regulates robot safety? Who is responsible for robot actions? Can a robot commit a crime? What are robot 'kill switches'?

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