About Autonomous Systems
Autonomous systems become more prevalent in our day-to-day lives. These systems have the potential to make a valuable contribution to better healthcare, safer roads, and more. In the media we also see many reports about the negative consequences autonomous systems might have, for instance in granting subsidies. Autonomous systems thereby impact our lives, be it in a positive or negative manner, which could have a great impact on society.
Within the JTS ‘Autonomous systems and their social impact' community, this societal impact of autonomous systems is further explored, focusing on autonomous systems in healthcare and in mobility.
Healthcare
Autonomous systems can potentially have a substantial positive impact in the healthcare sector, by assisting healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating patients, For instance, autonomous systems can be used in assessing x-rays to establish whether a patient needs treatment, or by making an assessment of risks of infections. Ultimately, autonomous systems might even be able to perform medical procedures.
In order to ensure a smooth introduction of these systems in healthcare, the safety of these systems needs to be ensured. Research can contribute to this by identifying how healthcare professionals interact with autonomous systems, what patients’ needs are, and what legal challenges arise. Through regular events, the community fosters multidisciplinary research and collaboration with other stakeholders.
Mobility
Self-driving cars, drones, autonomous trains and autonomous ships: going ‘driverless’ might seem like something from the movies. This is no longer the case, as tests with these vehicles are taking place on the roads, in the air, on the tracks and on the water already. This development gives rise to many questions, concerning everything from ethical dilemmas, infrastructure challenges, human-machine interactions, and legal gaps. Further research is needed to better understand the needs of all parties involved and to address potential hurdles. Through regular events, the community fosters multidisciplinary research and collaboration with other stakeholders.
Interested in joining the community? Or would you like to share your work with the community? Please register here.
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Nynke Vellinga works as a senior researcher at the SteP research group of the Faculty of Law at the University of Groningen. In her work, she explores the legal challenges arising from the use of AI in for instance healthcare and mobility.
Nynke specialises in liability, traffic law, insurance, and technology law.
Nynke is a member of the Young Academy Groningen (YAG), where she focuses on diversity and inclusion in academia.
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