The Nature and Legal Features of Cyber-Physical, Cyber-Biological and Artificial Cognitive Systems

Abstract

In the article, such categories as cyber-physical, cyber-biological and artificial cognitive systems (artificial intelligence) are analyzed in order to determine their characteristics important for legal science and practice. Different ways of defining the above mentioned concepts are examined. It is determined that a cyber-physical system includes a variety of technical means and is not easily placed within legal framework. Incorporation of this term in legal regulations through the description of its key characteristics is recommended. A cyber-biological system has the same structure as a cyber-physical system except that the physical component is replaced by biological one. It is argued that the relevance of the analysis of cyber-biological systems will depend on further scientific achievements in this area. The crucial property of the artificial cognitive system (artificial intelligence) is the ability to act independently and rationally. The authors conclude that the technical means covered by cyber-physical and cyber-biological systems acquire autonomy only if they have artificial intelligence. Finally, it is stated that the scope of social relations arising in the new reality will include only the technical means (objects regardless of their nature: physical, biological or virtual) able to perform legally significant actions independent from an individual person.