The ODR Technologies

AI driven ODR: automation vs human beings

There is a hot debate over whether artificial intelligence will take the place of human beings and what role should ODR play. We have also been informed about how AI helps to predict justice and to analyze data collected from arbitral institutions and arbitrators to allow parties have better understanding of arbitration and select arbitrators.

The discussion from the debate between automation and human beings turned out that, at the current stage, AI is still used to facilitate dispute resolution that involves human beings. Perhaps machine learning and algorithms will make automated dispute resolution possible in the future. However taking into regard that dispute resolution is a complex process consisting of various factors (law, psychology, society, etc.), automated dispute resolution will not be a wonder drug for all.

Online dispute resolution (ODR) relies on various technologies to facilitate the resolution of disputes through digital platforms. These technologies play a crucial role in enabling effective communication, document sharing, and the overall management of the dispute resolution process. Here are some key technologies used in the field of ODR:

1. Video Conferencing: Video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx, allow parties and neutrals to engage in real-time virtual meetings. Video conferencing enables face-to-face communication, promotes active participation, and allows for visual cues and non-verbal communication.

2. Online Collaboration Tools: Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or SharePoint facilitate the secure sharing and collaboration of documents and evidence. These tools allow parties and neutrals to upload, organize, and exchange relevant files, making information easily accessible during the dispute resolution process.

3. Online Case Management Systems: Case management systems specifically designed for ODR platforms streamline the administration and organization of cases. These systems provide features such as case tracking, document management, scheduling, and communication tools to manage and monitor the progress of disputes effectively.

4. Secure Communication Channels: Encrypted messaging applications, secure email platforms, or dedicated communication portals ensure that sensitive information and communications remain confidential and protected from unauthorized access.

5. Online Document Review and Annotation Tools: Platforms that allow for the review and annotation of documents, such as Adobe Acrobat or other PDF editing tools, facilitate the collaborative examination and analysis of evidence during the dispute resolution process.

6. Electronic Signatures: Electronic signature platforms, like DocuSign or Adobe Sign, enable parties to sign and execute documents electronically, ensuring the authenticity and enforceability of agreements reached during the ODR process.

7. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning technologies can be utilized in ODR platforms to automate certain tasks, facilitate document analysis, or provide data-driven insights that aid in decision-making processes.

8. Online Dispute Resolution Platforms: Dedicated ODR platforms, such as Modria, Relativity, or Resolver, offer comprehensive solutions that integrate various technologies to support the entire dispute resolution process. These platforms often include features like video conferencing, document management, messaging, case tracking, and secure data storage.

The technologies employed in ODR continue to evolve, offering improved accessibility, security, and efficiency in the resolution of disputes. Utilizing these technologies can help overcome barriers of distance, reduce costs, and enhance convenience, making dispute resolution more accessible and effective in a digital environment.

Equator Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way legal services are delivered, which includes arbitrators in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) proceedings. This trend is being accelerated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with many disputes being conducted online. 

Previously, legal tasks have usually been associated with human lawyers; however, increasingly autonomous computer systems may soon replace arbitrators in the delivery of legal services in ADR proceedings. 

The Equaroe AI may augment arbitrators in ADR proceedings and provides an analysis of how much legal work may be effectively performed by AI in ADR proceedings. The central focus is on the capabilities of AI systems against human arbitrators and the requirement for human intervention and supervision of AI systems deployed in ADR proceedings. 

The major characteristic of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is the informality of the dispute settlement process. Online dispute resolution (ODR) can help to resolve disputes, maintain conventional informality, ensure cost effectiveness and speed through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help disputants and streamline dispute processes. ODR refers to processes that are based on information and connection. 

ODR gained popularity by facilitating inexpensive dispute resolution through electronically delivered briefs, video conference hearings and automated online processes. The disputants best suited to take advantage of ODR are those operating globally. This makes ODR particularly appropriate for international commerce and e-commerce, where the disputants are separated geographically and the amount involved is minimal. 

AI in ODR has made rapid progress. It concludes that even if humans can make mistakes in dispute resolution, society would perhaps still prefer to employ human judges than give full control to a machine. Many consider justice to be a uniquely human process that it may be extremely difficult for AI to execute no matter what its level of sophistication in programming.

The Equa Technology

Equa works in the technology of artificial intelligence and decides the disputes in letter and spirit. It aims to resolve the disputes by using the algorithm. All the Acts and Rules have been integrated into the system. It gets automatically updated according to the latest judgment of the Supreme Court. It takes into consideration the relevant facts from both the sides. The highlight of the product is that it follows the Civil Procedure Code verbatim. The only differences that it saves on time. First of all it allowance different kind of applications provided under different orders and rules of the Civil Procedure Code. One can fill the blanks and can submit the application for resolving the disputes. But the difference is that all the communication is made online and short time is granted for replying to the application. One can also opt for the option of summary proceedings wherein the oral arguments are not allowed. It decides the matter instantly with the consent of the parties and follows the principles of Arbitration and Mediation. 

All the parties to the disputes have to agree to get the matter resolved through this technology. The parties are allowed to fill the relevant details and answer the questions asked by the Equa platform. 

Although, the technology has developed but it has not achieved the strength of human intelligence so far. That is the reason the Equa platform does not decide all the cases. Every case has its own facts and circumstances and may not be covered in the existing law. Whenever, the facts and circumstances of the case are entirely different and are not covered by the existing Rules and Regulations, then it suggests to go for the litigation before the regular courts. There are certain circumstances when both the parties have equal claim or it becomes difficult to decide the matter strictly on the basis of rules and regulations. Then also, the Equa platforms suggests the parties to file the matter before the regular courts.