Analysis of Product Liability Issues Concerning Smart Robots
智慧機器人之產品責任問題研析
This legislative research report examines the product liability challenges posed by autonomous smart robots due to their machine learning and decision-making capabilities. It reviews current Taiwanese laws such as the Civil Code and Consumer Protection Act, discusses international developments including the European Union's Civil Law Rules on Robotics and the proposed AI Liability Directive, and analyzes the difficulties in assigning responsibility, causation, and legal personhood. Finally, it suggests balancing consumer protection with supply chain responsibilities and considering legal reforms or dedicated legislation for smart robots in Taiwan.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Legislators and policy researchers should read this report to understand the legal and liability gaps concerning smart robots and AI under current Taiwanese law.
What the document contains
This report covers the legal challenges of product liability concerning smart robots, reviewing Taiwanese civil and consumer protection laws alongside international legislative frameworks such as the EU's initiatives. It explores issues such as the legal status of AI, causation difficulties, complex supply chain responsibilities, and directions for future legal reforms.
The report does not provide a binding judicial ruling, enforceable administrative regulations, or specific technical safety standards for robotic hardware.
- Traditional product liability laws face challenges when applied to autonomous smart robots due to their machine learning and adaptive decision-making.
- Taiwan's Civil Code and Consumer Protection Act currently anchor product liability on traditional manufacturing defects and clear supply chain actors, which complicates liability assignment for complex AI systems.
- International approaches such as the EU's Civil Law Rules on Robotics and AI Liability Directive highlight ongoing global debate regarding legal categories and the balancing of burdens of proof.
- The complex multi-party supply chain of smart robots involving hardware, software, and algorithms makes causal determination and consumer compensation difficult.
- Future legislative directions in Taiwan should evaluate whether to amend existing laws or adopt dedicated legislation while balancing consumer protection and industrial development.
· 一、題目：智慧機器人之產品責任問題研析 · 二、議題所涉法規 · 三、背景說明（緣起） · 四、問題爭點 · 五、探討研析 - （一）我國有關產品責任之相關規定 - （二）智慧機器人之法律地位 - （三）智慧機器人造成的產品責任歸責問題 - （四）外國立法例之借鏡與建議
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
2/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
人工智慧的具體特徵，包括複雜 性、自主性及不透明性，使得受害者難以識別責任歸屬並證明 成功索賠的條件
（三）智慧機器人造成的產品責任歸責問題
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
0/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
screening score · 2026-10-23