Towards Responsible Engineering Software: Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Automated Design and AI-Driven Tools

Abstract

There has been an increasing trend in the level of integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation features in engineering software, leading to game-changing design, modelling & simulation methods in all areas. But these breakthroughs also pose deep ethical, legal and social quandaries. This article critically reflects upon the changing responsible engineering software terrain through examining how automated design tools and its AI-drivers are shaping accountability, transparency, intellectual property and workforce dislodgment. Utilizing an extensive cross-disciplinary literature review, the paper identifies prominent eth- ical dilemmas such as algorithmic bias, mishandling of data and overdependence on opaque decision systems. It further investigates new legal regimes shaping the liability for AI-mediated engineering outcomes and considers what social implications they could have on professional autonomy and human control. The paper presents a concept of responsible engineering software development, highlighting the design automation as a counterpart to ethical-by-design principles, regulation compliance and societal values. Results emphasize cross-disciplinary governance frameworks, explainable AI integration and adaptive regulatory policies to guarantee that the future of engineering software is safe, fair and human-centric.