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Explained in plain English

Who regulates robot safety?

Robot safety regulation is still developing, often falling under broader product safety laws. In Germany, like the UK, existing laws on product liability and public safety could apply, but specific robot regulations are emerging. This incident in Cologne highlights the need for clearer rules as robots become more common.

Stories that explain this

Robot seized after girl, 16, harassed outside Cologne restaurant

Questions this opens up

Are there specific robot laws in Germany? Who enforces robot safety standards? What about robot ethics guidelines?

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 pays for robot damage? Who is responsible for robot actions? Can a robot commit a crime? What are robot 'kill switches'?

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