Legal challenges for robots and autonomous artificial intelligence systems in the healthcare context with special reference to Covid-19 health crisis
This academic article explores the legal and ethical challenges associated with the deployment of robots and autonomous artificial intelligence systems in healthcare, with a specific focus on the COVID-19 health crisis. It examines issues related to product liability, regulatory structures, safety, commercialization, and the protection of health-related personal data when utilizing care, surgical, and diagnostic robots. The paper highlights the urgent need for legal reforms and critical thinking regarding the integration of emerging technologies in medical settings.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
This paper is for legal scholars, policymakers, and health sector professionals interested in the intersection of health law, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
What the document contains
This paper addresses the legal considerations, liability regimes, safety standards, and data privacy issues arising from the use of surgical, prosthetic, and care robots, as well as AI diagnostic systems during health crises.
The document does not provide binding statutory text, administrative regulations, or a code of conduct; it is an academic analysis offering recommendations for legal reform rather than an enforceable governance standard.
- Robots and artificial intelligence are increasingly deployed in healthcare roles, ranging from caregiving and physical assistance to medical diagnosis and surgery.
- The COVID-19 health crisis accelerated the adoption of technologies such as PCR-testing robots to address sample processing bottlenecks.
- The integration of autonomous systems in healthcare creates complex legal challenges, particularly concerning civil liability and product liability frameworks.
- Health-related data collected by care robots involves sensitive personal information that requires rigorous protection under frameworks like the GDPR.
- Existing regulatory structures and legal doctrines must be reformed to balance technological innovation with patient safety and fundamental rights.
· I. Open issues · II. Distinction between related concepts · III. Robots in healthcare. Definition and typology · IV. Robots and COVID-19 · V. The legal role of the robot
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Human Dignity
2/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
In this process, special emphasis should be given to human safety, privacy, integrity, dignity and autonomy.
III. Robots in healthcare. Definition and typology
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
3/5Protection of personal data and private life
It is very likely that robots used for health purposes will collect large amounts of very intimate personal data. This type of data, in the context of data protection legislation, is referred to as sensitive or specially protected data
V. The legal role of the robot - 3. Privacy and protection of health-related data
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
2/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Given the high processing capacities and the processing of big data, it is very difficult for people to know how the robot has taken a certain decision and what the basis is.
V. The legal role of the robot - 1. Responsibility of robots and Artificial Intelligence
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
2/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
All in all, recent events have shown that collaboration between medical researchers and engineers is essential for the development of rapid and less costly ways to tackle the pandemic.
IV. Robots and COVID-19
screening score · 2026-10-23