4.2.1. Evaluating risks and benefits of RAS operation

Contextual description: The utilisation of autonomy for previously manual tasks has the potential to introduce new risks, however autonomy also has the potential to reduce the risks that were previously associated with the manual task (for example by removing the exposure of an operator to a hazard, or enabling more reliable performance of a complex task). When making a decision to approve the operation of the RAS, a risk-benefit trade-off is therefore often required. Although risk-benefit assessment may sometimes be undertaken for more traditional systems (particularly in certain domains such as medical), it is more likely that such an assessment will be required for an RAS.

As part of making a justifiable decision, the uncertainty in the assessment of risk and benefit must be considered.

Practical guidance:  To be determined.