Manufacturing AI spans a wide risk spectrum — from minimal-risk predictive maintenance to high-risk safety components. AI in machinery and worker monitoring faces dual compliance with the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230.
Manufacturing is uniquely positioned under the EU AI Act because it sits at the intersection of AI regulation and product safety legislation. AI systems embedded in machinery are covered by Annex I (harmonised legislation for regulated products) and potentially Annex III, Category 4 (safety components). The new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which replaces the Machinery Directive in January 2027, explicitly addresses AI safety components. Worker monitoring AI faces additional scrutiny under Annex III as it affects employment relationships.
AI systems that predict equipment failures, optimize maintenance schedules, and reduce unplanned downtime.
AI-powered visual inspection, defect detection, and quality assurance in production lines.
AI-controlled industrial robots and collaborative robots working alongside human workers.
AI safety components in machinery — emergency stops, hazard detection, and automated safety responses.
AI systems monitoring worker productivity, safety compliance, fatigue detection, and workplace behavior.
AI for demand planning, logistics optimization, supplier risk assessment, and procurement automation.
Manufacturing AI has the most varied risk profile of any sector. AI safety components in machinery fall under Annex I (regulated products) and require conformity assessment before market placement. Worker monitoring AI is classified under Annex III, Category 4 (employment, workers management, and access to self-employment). Predictive maintenance and supply chain AI typically fall under minimal risk. The dual compliance challenge is the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which introduces specific requirements for AI-driven safety functions in machinery.
Separate AI systems into categories: safety-critical (machinery), worker-facing (monitoring), and operational (maintenance, logistics). Each has different obligations.
For AI in machinery, map requirements between the AI Act and Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. Conformity assessment may need to address both.
Worker monitoring AI faces Annex III high-risk classification. Ensure transparency with employees, works council consultation where required, and GDPR compliance.
For AI safety components, document validation testing, failure mode analysis, and safety performance benchmarks against harmonised standards.
Ensure plant operators, safety engineers, and maintenance staff understand AI system capabilities, limitations, and override procedures.
How to conduct risk assessments for AI systems, including safety-critical manufacturing applications.
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