2023 Covington Robotics Forum: Adapting to Emerging Legal Frameworks

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Developments in the global robotics industry are advancing at an increasing rate and are already having a significant impact on how we navigate work and life. With such rapid advancements, organizations and their leaders face new legal challenges and opportunities. We invite you to join us for the 2023 Covington Robotics Forum – a concise and highly concentrated 90-minute virtual session to explore the emerging legal issues impacting robotics. In addition to Covington experts, we are delighted to feature an Industry Spotlight with John Suh, Founding Director of New Horizons Studio, Hyundai Motor Group’s new unit focused on the development of Ultimate Mobility Vehicles (UMVs).

Event Details

Thursday, May 18, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. PT
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET

Log-In details provided upon registration.

Closed to the press.

CLE: Approval for NY/NJ and CA CLE credit is currently pending. We will provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance should you wish to apply in another jurisdiction.

Covington Authorities Will Explore:

Data-Driven Robotics: The Emerging Regulation of Data in Machine Learning and AI – With the unprecedented growth and adoption of AI and ML tools, Sam Choi, Hensey Fenton, and Jayne Ponder explore the developing EU and U.S. legal frameworks for machine learning and AI, as well as specific considerations that arise under existing laws when using such tools.
When Robots Are at Work: Key Considerations for Employers – The rapid technological advancements and increase of robotics usage in the workplace to supplant or supplement traditional employee functions come with new challenges for employers. In this session, Libbie Canter and Carolyn Rashby will focus on employment privacy concerns around monitoring, data collection and security, as well as workplace bias, safety, and labor considerations. They will also address best practices for deploying workplace robotics while minimizing legal risks.
Geopolitics of Robotics Regulation – National security considerations have permeated most, if not, all areas of tech policy. For the United States, maintaining a competitive edge is integral to its long-term strategic posture. In Europe, robotics have not yet received the same focus as other areas of tech regulation, but that may soon change. Micaela McMurrough and Bart Szewczyk will explore these transatlantic dynamics and their implications for businesses.
Mitigating Robotics Risks: Emerging Issues in Product Liability, Product Safety & Insurance Coverage – As robotics technology proliferates across industries and outpaces existing law and regulations, businesses face an increasing need to manage uncertain risks associated with robotics and AI. David Sneed, Darren Teshima, and Jack Mizerak will discuss ways to mitigate risk in a developing legal landscape, trends in regulators’ responses to the safety concerns that robotics products present, and emerging insurance coverage issues for robotics-related liabilities.

Industry Spotlight

John Suh, Founding Director of New Horizons Studio, Hyundai Motor Group’s new unit focused on the development of Ultimate Mobility Vehicles (UMVs), in conversation with Covington Partner Suzanne Bell, will explore the new developments as Hyundai builds out its robotics capabilities.

Reflections and Outlook for the Future of Robotics

Jim Dempsey, Senior Policy Advisor for Stanford's Program on Geopolitics, Technology and Governance, Cyber Policy Center, and a lecturer in Cybersecurity Law at the University of California Berkeley School of Law, will share his observations on how robotics is impacting technology companies as they navigate the legal challenges and opportunities.