The technological revolution is forcing us to reimagine how we assess the risks and opportunities of human-robot interactions (IWRs) in the workplace. However, the crux of the issue lies not in the technology itself, but in how we, as humans, will integrate AI and robots into our lives and workplaces. We must acknowledge that significant changes are on the horizon, including the emergence of new social and psychological risks associated with human-robot interactions and the most advanced forms of AI (Frontier AI or GPAI). My thesis is grounded in the belief that AI-powered robots (AI/R) should not merely augment human capabilities but should work collaboratively with humans to enhance both productivity and well-being. The absence of a unified scientific framework hinders our understanding of the complex interplay between humans and AI-powered robots in shared physical and social spaces. My research aims to contribute to the development of a new field of labor law, "Robot Labor Law" – RLL, that will address the legal and regulatory challenges posed by human-robot collaboration. To achieve this goal, I will explore the following key questions: What are the desired outcomes of AI and advanced robotics in the workplace? How can we optimize human-AI collaboration? How can we prevent AI/R systems from acting in ways that harm workers? Who should regulate the interaction between workers and AI/R systems? What regulatory mechanisms are appropriate? In the event of a worker injury directly attributable to AI/R, what are the potential legal implications? Do existing insurance systems adequately cover AI/R-related workplace accidents and occupational diseases? How effective are current workplace safety regulations in addressing the unique challenges posed by advanced technologies and human-AI collaboration? Who bears responsibility: the employer, the AI developer, or the AI itself? As AI technologies rapidly integrate into workplaces, how can we ensure the safety of workers interacting with increasingly autonomous AI/R systems? By conducting a comparative analysis of EU and U.S. labor law, I will develop a regulatory framework that safeguards worker well-being in the age of AI-powered robots.

Faioli, M., Assessing Risks and Liabilities of AI-Powered Robots in the Workplace. An EU-US Comparison, <<DIRITTO DELLA SICUREZZA SUL LAVORO>>, 2025; 2025 (1): 79-113 [https://hdl.handle.net/10807/311472]

Assessing Risks and Liabilities of AI-Powered Robots in the Workplace. An EU-US Comparison

Faioli, Michele
Primo
2025

Abstract

The technological revolution is forcing us to reimagine how we assess the risks and opportunities of human-robot interactions (IWRs) in the workplace. However, the crux of the issue lies not in the technology itself, but in how we, as humans, will integrate AI and robots into our lives and workplaces. We must acknowledge that significant changes are on the horizon, including the emergence of new social and psychological risks associated with human-robot interactions and the most advanced forms of AI (Frontier AI or GPAI). My thesis is grounded in the belief that AI-powered robots (AI/R) should not merely augment human capabilities but should work collaboratively with humans to enhance both productivity and well-being. The absence of a unified scientific framework hinders our understanding of the complex interplay between humans and AI-powered robots in shared physical and social spaces. My research aims to contribute to the development of a new field of labor law, "Robot Labor Law" – RLL, that will address the legal and regulatory challenges posed by human-robot collaboration. To achieve this goal, I will explore the following key questions: What are the desired outcomes of AI and advanced robotics in the workplace? How can we optimize human-AI collaboration? How can we prevent AI/R systems from acting in ways that harm workers? Who should regulate the interaction between workers and AI/R systems? What regulatory mechanisms are appropriate? In the event of a worker injury directly attributable to AI/R, what are the potential legal implications? Do existing insurance systems adequately cover AI/R-related workplace accidents and occupational diseases? How effective are current workplace safety regulations in addressing the unique challenges posed by advanced technologies and human-AI collaboration? Who bears responsibility: the employer, the AI developer, or the AI itself? As AI technologies rapidly integrate into workplaces, how can we ensure the safety of workers interacting with increasingly autonomous AI/R systems? By conducting a comparative analysis of EU and U.S. labor law, I will develop a regulatory framework that safeguards worker well-being in the age of AI-powered robots.
2025
Inglese
Faioli, M., Assessing Risks and Liabilities of AI-Powered Robots in the Workplace. An EU-US Comparison, <<DIRITTO DELLA SICUREZZA SUL LAVORO>>, 2025; 2025 (1): 79-113 [https://hdl.handle.net/10807/311472]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10807/311472
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