Entering 2024, the craze of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to heat up, and in the face of changing artificial intelligence technology, we can’t help but ask: Will these smart algorithms bring about changes in the field of security automation?

The answer is unmistakable: AI is changing the world… But how can AI be guaranteed to be safe?

HP5517B The combination of AI and machine safety

AI is mathematically based programming code designed to mimic human behavior and automate decision-making processes. The foundation of AI technology was laid in the 1960s, but it is only today, with advances in hardware, the emergence of new concepts, and the development of new algorithms, that AI has truly ushered in the spring of development.

For those problems that traditional algorithms and technologies cannot solve, the development of AI technology offers us the possibility to overcome these problems, opening up space for new business areas, business models, products and services. But one of the challenges that must be faced in combining AI technology with machine safety is the “black box” nature of AI, where we cannot predict or understand how complex AI systems make decisions, which is the key to functional safety.

Application requirements of AI in mechanical safety

The application requirements of artificial intelligence technology in machinery safety mainly involve three key aspects, namely safety, transparency and reliability, which must be fully considered and realized when implementing AI machinery safety.

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• Safety & Security

HP5517B Safety refers to the ability of an AI system to perform its functions without causing harm to people, property, or the environment. In the field of machine safety, it means that AI systems must be able to function properly under the expected operating conditions, while taking appropriate safety measures in the event of an anomaly or failure, so the design and implementation of AI systems must follow strict safety standards. Such as ISO 26262 (Functional Safety of road vehicles) or IEC 61508 (Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic systems).
• Transparency

Transparency means that the decision-making process of an AI system can be understood and explained, which helps build user trust in the AI system and quickly locate and resolve problems when they arise. In the field of machine safety, this means that operators and safety engineers need to be able to understand how AI systems make specific decisions in order to intervene or improve when necessary.
• Reliability

Reliability refers to the ability of an AI system to consistently and steadily perform its intended tasks over a long period of time. In the field of mechanical safety, the reliability of AI systems is of Paramount importance, as it is directly related to the safety performance of the system. In order to improve the reliability of AI systems, technicians use a variety of algorithms and methods to quantify the uncertainty of the system, ensuring that the AI system can recognize invalid inputs in its decisions and respond appropriately. In addition, the reliability of AI systems can be improved by adopting appropriate system architecture and design concepts.

Follow-up of legislation and standards

The EU AI Act, which provides uniform rules for the development, deployment and use of AI systems while also focusing on individual safety and fundamental rights, covers algorithms that are currently in common use, although the bill is still in the drafting stage.

The EU Machinery Regulation already requires compliance assessments when using AI systems for functional safety, so safety-related AI systems are classified as “high-risk machinery.” For manufacturers such as PILZ, a notified body must be involved in the assessment of compliance, even if it already complies with the relevant harmonised standards.

ISO/IEC CD TR 5469, “Artificial Intelligence – Functional Safety and AI Systems”, is an international standard in development specifically for the application of AI systems in the field of functional safety and aims to provide guidance for the design, development, integration and validation of AI systems. Ensure that these systems can reliably perform their functions in safety-related applications.

As a leader in the field of safety automation, PILZ is paying close attention to the development of AI technology and conducting in-depth research in the field of mechanical safety. Our mission is to ensure that the application of AI technology to protect humans and machinery is safe and reliable. In this new era of AI, we will work with you to explore and realize a safer, more reliable and more efficient automated future.