AI in Arbitration

The confrontation of arbitration with artificial intelligence (AI) is a current topic. Generally speaking, AI has already been introduced into the spheres of law and justice. It is logical that arbitration should also be involved. Legaltechs in particular are focusing on this. AI can be perceived as an aid to arbitration, for example by improving the arbitrator selection process or providing tools to assist arbitrators in reaching a decision. On a more ambitious and radical level, AI could also be viewed in the future as a substitute for arbitrators. Are we moving towards a robotic arbitrator, and an award issued by a machine? Caution is required, since there is some myth in this projection. Nevertheless serious reflection is required in order to address the technical, and more particularly the legal, dimensions of this question. It goes without saying that a dehumanised arbitration process is not desirable. Nevertheless the tools made available by AI can, when these are reliable and well-mastered, certainly provide assistance to arbitration practitioners. The latter must be aware of the arrival of AI in their sphere of practice and adapt to this.