This session will address the evolving landscape of product liability in the wake of rapid technological advancements, with a particular focus on product innovation and the 'Internet of Things' (“IoT).” The integration of advanced technologies into products has introduced new layers of risk and complexity, calling for a reassessment of traditional liability frameworks. Key areas of impact include software and firmware updates and the growth of artificial intelligence, which can alter a product's performance and raise questions about post-sale modifications; autonomous systems like self-driving cars and drones that shift liability considerations from human error to algorithmic failures; and cybersecurity, where the increasing interconnectedness of devices necessitates robust security measures and clear liability demarcations.

Furthermore, a new evolution of product categories are integrating technology, such as software as medical devices and wearables, impacting the assessment of product liability in multiple sectors. The session will include a cross-jurisdictional perspective, including case studies illustrating how courts and policymakers have handled liability issues in matters involving advanced technologies, how manufacturers are implementing technology into new products within regulated frameworks, and consideration of evolving international legal standards.