UNECE Issues Declaration on AI-Embedded Products - 1

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UNECE Issues Declaration on AI-Embedded Products

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • The declaration promotes global regulatory cooperation for AI technologies.
  • High-risk AI products require stringent oversight, while low-risk products need minimal supervision.
  • Market surveillance must adapt to the evolving nature of AI technologies.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) announced today a declaration addressing the regulatory challenges posed by AI and digital technologies embedded in everyday products and services. This initiative, aims to enhance global regulatory coherence amid the complexities of emerging technologies.

Building on the Overarching Common Regulatory Arrangements (CRA), the declaration encourages voluntary regulatory cooperation among governments, while safeguarding global trade and technological progress.

The declaration highlights the prevalence of products using embedded AI and digital technologies but notes the absence of consistent definitions and regulations.

Although the CRA states that it does not encompass autonomous vehicles or weapons, its guidance remains pertinent to these sectors.

The declaration emphasizes the importance of managing risks associated with products that incorporate embedded AI or other digital technologies. According to the declaration, completely eliminating all risks is unrealistic; instead, regulations should aim to manage risks within acceptable limits.

High-risk products, particularly those impacting health, safety, or privacy, will require stringent oversight. Medium-risk products, which may pose user safety concerns but do not involve personal data, will need moderate monitoring. In contrast, low-risk products that do not use personal data or directly influence users will require minimal supervision.

For high-risk AI systems, the declaration advocates for the inclusion of human decision-making wherever feasible. For instance, medical devices using AI for diagnostics should involve human review to mitigate risks to patients, while AI-powered industrial machinery should allow for human oversight in workplaces.

Recognizing the unpredictable nature of AI technologies, the declaration stresses the necessity for rigorous testing while acknowledging the persistence of unknown risks. Regulators and distributors are encouraged to disclose these residual risks and ensure they remain manageable.

To prevent harm, embedded AI systems must address biases in decision-making, reflecting both human and machine biases.

The declaration further states that these systems should respect human autonomy, mental well-being, and societal values, including children’s rights, and function effectively in developing economies without creating trade barriers.

Safety features are crucial for AI technology to prevent misuse. Regulatory conformity assessments are vital for AI products, where low-risk items may require only a supplier’s self-declaration, while high-risk products should undergo third-party assessments to verify compliance with international standards.

Additionally, the declaration argues that market surveillance must evolve to keep pace with the dynamic nature of AI. Continuous compliance checks are necessary, especially as products receive updates.

Independent audits should confirm that products maintain initial standards and are safe for use. Non-compliant products, particularly those that pose significant risks, should be recalled, with international alerts issued for serious issues.

Chinese Startup DeepRoute.ai Raises $100 Million To Expand Autonomous Driving Systems - 2

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Chinese Startup DeepRoute.ai Raises $100 Million To Expand Autonomous Driving Systems

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • Secret Chinese automaker invests $100 million in the Shenzhen-based company DeepRoute.ai
  • DeepRoute.ai has equipped 20,000 vehicles with its technology and expects to reach 200,000 by the end of 2025
  • The startup wants to develop 10 different models of is full self-driving system

The Chinese autonomous driving company DeepRoute.ai raised $100 million from an automaker for mass adoption of its autonomous driving system. The name of the Chinese investor has not been revealed yet.

Maxwell Zhou, DeepRoute.ai CEO, told Reuters in an interview shared this Monday that they expect to equip 200,000 cars with their advanced technology by the end of 2025, and they currently have 20,000 vehicles with the system.

The Shenzhen-based start-up launched this August a Full Self-Driving (FSD) program, similar to Tesla’s, in China, where Elon Musk—Tesla’s CEO—also expects to deploy his technology soon.

But Zhou doesn’t seem to be afraid of this competition and he considers his company to have an advantage in the market. “China has more complicated traffic situations with pedestrians walking on motorways and millions of scooters rushing to deliver their goods,” said Zhou in the interview and added that they expect to expand to other regions like the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia by 2027 or 2028 depending on the market opportunities.

The company expects to develop 10 different models to offer options to its clients in 2025. One of the current customers is a new brand co-owned by Mercedes Benz and Geely, they expect to launch the first vehicles with DeepRoute.ai’s technology by the end of the year.

The startup, founded in 2019, is also backed by the tech giant Alibaba. Its current valuation has not been disclosed either.

Other Chinese autonomous vehicle startups have been developing and expanding their technologies. WeRide made its initial public offering in the U.S. market a few days ago, raising a total of $440.5 million.