Artificial Intelligence in the context of Machinery Safety -- Opportunities, risks, and future challenges

<p>The <strong>Safety Soirée: Machinery Safety Workshop with ISO Standards Convenors</strong>, hosted by <strong>SICK Sensor Intelligence</strong> on May 19–20, 2025, in <strong>Canton, Massachusetts, USA</strong>, brought together leading international safety experts for two days of in-depth discussions on current developments in machinery safety and ISO standards. The workshop covered key topics such as industrial safety, functional safety, machinery design, and sustainability, and fostered a productive exchange of knowledge and experience among professionals.</p> <p>In his presentation titled <strong>“Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Machinery Safety — Opportunities, Risks, and Future Challenges”</strong>, Björn Kasper provided a concise introduction to the broad and complex field of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of functional safety. He explained the relevant European legal frameworks — particularly the upcoming Machinery Regulation and the AI Act — and gave an overview of international normative approaches. Referencing his published book <a href="https://zenodo.org/records/8009362" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>"Getting Started with Machine Learning (ML) and Support Vector Classifiers (SVC)"</strong></a>, he systematically demonstrated the typical ML workflow step by step, providing newcomers to AI with a practical and accessible introduction. Mr. Kasper also addressed the risks associated with the use of AI in safety-related machinery applications and presented practical strategies and potential measures to effectively manage and control these risks.</p> <p>Participants left the session with a clearer understanding of how regulations and standards are adapting to the integration of AI in machinery, what a typical ML workflow entails, and what challenges and responsibilities lie ahead for both industry and regulators alike.</p>