Why not? If they create poorly-designed bots that damage others, why shouldn't they be held responsible?
If I create a lawn-mowing bot that goes rogue and runs over the neighbor's cat (or in a less-bloodthirsty scenario, wrecks his expensive landscaping) I'll be held responsible, yes?
I don't see why automation should be an excuse. If anything, systems that are intended to operate without human supervision should be held to a greater standard of safety, not a lower one.
If I create a lawn-mowing bot that goes rogue and runs over the neighbor's cat (or in a less-bloodthirsty scenario, wrecks his expensive landscaping) I'll be held responsible, yes?
I don't see why automation should be an excuse. If anything, systems that are intended to operate without human supervision should be held to a greater standard of safety, not a lower one.