Can humanoid robots own property? Can they enter into contracts?

Alright, let's talk in plain language about whether humanoid robots can own property and sign contracts.

Can Humanoid Robots Own Property? Can They Sign Contracts?

Let's put it this way: Currently, the answer is no.

This might sound strange, especially given how capable robots appear in sci-fi movies. But real-world law is quite different from what we see in films.

The Core Question: Is It Legally Considered a 'Person'?

To understand this, you first need to grasp a legal concept called 'legal personhood' or 'legal personality'.

It sounds complicated, but it's quite simple. It means that the law only recognizes two types of 'entities' that can possess rights (like owning property) and bear obligations (like repaying loans):

1. Natural Persons: These are us, living human beings. From birth to death, we inherently possess this status.
2. Legal Entities (or Juridical Persons): These include companies, government agencies, foundations, etc. They are not real people, but the law 'treats' them as independent 'persons,' hence the term 'legal entity.' They can have their own bank accounts, purchase buildings, and sign contracts.

As you can see, 'robots' are not on this list.

Under the current legal framework, no matter how intelligent or human-like a robot is, its legal status is essentially the same as your mobile phone, car, or home refrigerator – they are all considered 'objects' or a type of property.

So, Why Can't They Own Property and Sign Contracts?

• Regarding Property:

  • One 'object' cannot own another 'object.' It's like saying, 'My car owns a garage' – the owner of that garage is definitely you, not your car.
  • Similarly, even if a robot 'earns' money or 'uses' a certain piece of equipment, the true owner of these assets is not the robot itself, but its owner (an individual or a company).

• Regarding Contracts:

  • A contract is a legally binding agreement in black and white; once signed, you are responsible. If you breach the contract, the other party can sue you and demand compensation.
  • Asking a robot to be 'responsible'? That's where it gets tricky. If a contract it 'signed' goes wrong, should we punish it by not charging its battery, or by dismantling it? Legally, this is unworkable.
  • Therefore, when a robot (like a vending machine or an AI on an online shopping platform) 'executes' a transaction, it is essentially just a tool. The party signing the contract with you and responsible to you is its owner – the company behind it.

Future Possibilities?

Of course, the question you've raised is very cutting-edge, and legal experts worldwide are currently discussing it.

As AI becomes more advanced, could a new legal status emerge in the future, such as an 'Electronic Person,' granting highly autonomous AIs or robots a special legal standing?

This is entirely possible. However, reaching that point would require resolving a host of incredibly complex issues:

• If a robot commits an error, who bears the responsibility? Its owner, manufacturer, or the robot itself?
• If it can bear responsibility, should it also pay taxes?
• If it can own property, who inherits its assets after its 'death' (destruction)?

Currently, there are no answers to these questions. So, at least in the foreseeable future, humanoid robots will remain human property and tools, unable to own property or sign contracts in their own name.