Recent years have seen a rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) autonomous systems. Autonomous AI systems are software-based agents, or robotic devices, that can independently make decisions about their own actions, often without direct human intervention. Recent breakthroughs, such as OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model, Anthropic’s “Computer Use,” or Google’s “Deep Research”, have demonstrated AI systems with unprecedented levels of autonomy. These systems range from software agents that can independently research, plan, reason, and execute complex tasks on the Internet, or physical systems like self-driving vehicles from Waymo now operating in major cities to increasingly sophisticated humanoid robots capable of working in commercial settings.
These developments raise novel and pressing legal and regulatory questions: How should the law address AI-driven decision-making in critical domains? On the software side, AI “agents” can autonomously negotiate contracts, manage financial portfolios, communicate and execute purchases and transactions on the Internet. On the physical side, autonomous robots navigate urban driving or factory environments. What new standards or liabilities emerge when robots or software agents act with increasing independence? This conference will explore the pressing societal and legal challenges introduced by these autonomous systems and chart paths forward for responsible governance and innovation.
Sessions
Check in and Breakfast
@ Wolf Law Building, Foyer and Boettcher Hall
Attendees are welcome to check-in and enjoy a continental breakfast buffet before the day’s programming gets underway.
Welcome
@ Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom
Break
Developments in AI Autonomous Software Agents
- Harry Surden — Moderator
Professor of Law, University of Colorado Law School - Nathan Schneider — Panelist
Assistant Professor, Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder - Lucas Thelosen — Panelist
CEO, Gravity Foundation - Elana Zeide — Panelist
Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska College of Law
Additional speakers to be announced.
AI-powered autonomous software agents are increasingly capable of independent decision-making, from financial management to comprehensive research and strategic planning. This panel will explore recent breakthroughs in AI autonomy enabled by large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. This panel will explore their technical foundations, the emerging capabilities, and how this differs from automation of the past. It will also examine their limits, and possible benefits and risks as these autonomous software systems emerge.
Break
Policy, Legal, and Regulatory Issues in Emerging AI Autonomous Software Agent Technology
- Harry Surden — Moderator
Professor of Law, University of Colorado Law School - David Levine — Panelist
Associate Dean of Faculty Development and Professor of Law, Elon University School of Law - Paul Lin — Panelist
Co-Founder and CEO, Returned.com - Calli Schroeder — Panelist
Senior Counsel and AI/Human Rights Program Lead, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
Additional speakers to be announced.
As AI agents make autonomous decisions that impact businesses, individuals, and society, legal and regulatory frameworks must adapt. This panel will examine liability, accountability, and governance challenges in AI-driven transactions, contracts, and decision-making, exploring potential legal responses to the rise of autonomous software. Are existing legal and regulatory frameworks suitable to meet the task? Is new governance needed? How do we as a society steer autonomous agents in a direction that harnesses their benefits by minimizing their risks.
Lunch
@ Wolf Law Building, Schaden Commons
Autonomous Vehicles and Policy/Legal Issues
- Keith Gremban — Moderator
Spectrum Policy Initiative Co-director, Silicon Flatirons - Brian Argrow — Panelist
Distinguished Professor and Glenn Murphy Endowed Chair, University of Colorado Boulder - Marc Canellas — Panelist
Assistant Public Defender, Forensics Division, Maryland Office of the Public Defender - Chuck Thorpe — Panelist
Professor, Clarkson University
Self-driving technology has moved from experimentation to real-world deployment, with autonomous vehicles operating in urban environments. Today, for example, hundreds of self-driving taxis from Waymo, Zoox and other firms routinely drive around cities like San Francisco, safely shuttling ordinary passengers. Similarly, autonomous drones and other aerial vehicles routinely take to the skies. This panel will analyze the legal, regulatory, and liability implications of AI-powered vehicles and other machines moving autonomously through the physical world, addressing possibilities for improved safety over human drivers, standards, reliability, accident liability, and the evolving role of policymakers in shaping the future of autonomous mobility.
Closing Remarks
Reception
@ Wolf Law Building, Foyer and Boettcher Hall