By Sarath Wijesinghe President’s Counsel (LL.M (UCL London)), former Ambassador to UAE and Israel, former Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority, President of the Lanka Ambassador’s Forum – United Kingdom, Solicitor in England and Wales

In the era of rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an important force driving innovation across various sectors. As we celebrate World Consumer Rights Day 2024, the theme “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers” urges us to reflect on the ethical and societal implications of AI, particularly in automation, such as automated vehicles, and engineering.
AI’s integration into automation and engineering has revolutionized industries, offering unprecedented efficiency, precision, and innovation. In the realm of automated vehicles, AI algorithms process vast amounts of data in real-time, enabling self-driving cars to navigate complex environments safely. This technology has the potential to reduce traffic accidents, ease congestion, and lower emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and safe transportation future. Similarly, in engineering, AI-driven tools are transforming design, manufacturing, and maintenance processes. AI algorithms can predict equipment failures, optimize energy consumption, and assist in designing more efficient and resilient structures.
These advancements not only enhance productivity but also promote sustainability and resource conservation.
While the benefits of AI in automation and engineering are undeniable, they come with significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure consumer protection and fairness. One of the primary concerns is safety. As automated vehicles become more common, ensuring their reliability and safety in all driving conditions is paramount. This requires rigorous testing, transparent safety protocols, and continuous monitoring to prevent accidents and protect passengers.
In engineering, the reliance on AI-driven systems raises questions about data privacy, security, and the potential loss of jobs due to automation. Ensuring that AI systems are secure from cyber threats and that personal data is protected is crucial for maintaining consumer trust. Moreover, there is a need for policies that support workforce transition and re-skilling to mitigate the impact of automation on employment. To address these challenges, it is essential to develop and enforce ethical AI guidelines that prioritize consumer safety, privacy, and fairness. This includes establishing clear standards for AI transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. For automated vehicles, this means creating a regulatory framework that ensures safety standards are met and that consumers are informed about the capabilities and limitations of the technology.
The ethical landscape of AI in automation and engineering is complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to navigate. Ethical AI involves more than just ensuring that technology does not harm consumers; it also entails promoting social good and enhancing human capabilities. For instance, in automated vehicles, ethical considerations extend to ensuring equitable access to this technology and addressing the potential displacement of workers in the transportation sector.
In engineering, ethical AI calls for transparency in algorithmic decision-making processes. Engineers and developers must ensure that AI systems do not perpetuate biases or discriminate against certain groups. This requires a thorough examination of the data used to train these systems and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the development teams.
Regulation and policy play a critical role in ensuring fair and responsible AI for consumers. Governments and regulatory bodies need to establish clear guidelines and standards for the development and deployment of AI technologies. This includes setting safety standards for automated vehicles, data protection regulations for AI systems, and guidelines for ethical AI practices. Policymakers
must also consider the long-term implications of AI on society, including its impact on employment, privacy, and security. By engaging with stakeholders from various sectors, including industry, academia, and civil society, policymakers can develop comprehensive strategies that balance innovation with consumer protection.
Consumer education and empowerment are crucial for navigating the AI-driven future. Consumers need to be informed about the capabilities and limitations of AI technologies, as well as their rights and responsibilities. For example, understanding the safety features of automated vehicles or the data privacy implications of AI-driven services can help consumers make informed decisions. Moreover, empowering consumers to voice their concerns and participate in the development of AI policies can ensure that their interests are represented. Consumer advocacy groups play a vital role in this regard, raising awareness about consumer rights and advocating for responsible AI practices.
The future of AI in automation and engineering holds immense promise, with the potential to drive innovation and improve the quality of life for consumers. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort to address the ethical, social, and regulatory challenges that come with these technologies. The development of AI in automated vehicles is advancing rapidly, with significant progress being made in areas such as sensor technology, machine learning algorithms, and data processing. Modern self-driving cars are equipped with a combination of cameras, radar, and LiDAR sensors that enable them to perceive their environment with high accuracy. AI algorithms then process this data to make real-time decisions, such as identifying obstacles, predicting the behavior of other road users, and determining the optimal path. Moreover, advancements in deep learning and neural networks have improved the ability of autonomous vehicles to learn from vast amounts of driving data, enhancing their decision-making capabilities. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Cruise are continually testing and refining their AI systems to improve safety and reliability. The integration of 5G technology is also expected to boost the performance of automated vehicles by enabling faster data transmission and real-time communication with other vehicles and infrastructure.
In the field of engineering, AI is driving innovations in various domains, including construction, manufacturing, and energy management. For instance, AI-powered robots are being used in construction sites to automate tasks such as bricklaying,
welding, and structural inspection. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the risk of accidents. In manufacturing, AI is being used to optimize production processes, predict maintenance needs, and improve product quality. By analyzing data from sensors and machines, AI algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies that human operators might miss. This predictive maintenance approach can significantly reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
AI is also playing a crucial role in energy management, with smart grids and AI-driven energy systems enabling more efficient distribution and consumption of energy. These systems can analyze energy usage patterns, predict demand, and optimize the generation and distribution of renewable energy sources. Despite the significant advancements, the development of AI in automation and engineering also presents challenges. Issues such as data privacy, security, and ethical considerations need to be addressed to ensure that these technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. Additionally, there is a need for skilled professionals who can design, implement, and manage AI systems in these fields.
The future of AI in automation and engineering holds immense potential for transforming industries and improving the quality of life. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they will enable more efficient, sustainable, and safe solutions in various sectors. However, it is crucial to navigate the development of AI with a focus on ethical principles and consumer protection to ensure that the benefits are equitably distributed and that potential risks are mitigated.