24 n MACHINE-BUILDING May 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com What machine-builders need to know about the EU’s AI Act Arti cial intelligence is now a reality and it is starting to impact our personal and working lives. Machine-builders are already looking at using AI for a variety of tasks, including within control systems for automation and robotics. Depending how AI systems are deployed, there can be safety implications – for example, AI might determine how a robot reacts when a person enters its operating zone. If you think the idea of using AI for safety-related control systems is far-fetched, I can remember the widespread scepticism when programmable electronic safety systems (PESs) were rst introduced. Many engineers refused to rely on software for safety functions, yet programmable safety systems are now well proven and commonplace. The European Commission has decided to legislate with the aim of promoting the uptake of AI that is human-centric and trustworthy. The AI Act – sometimes known as the AI Regulation – also refers to protecting fundamental rights and ethical principles. Certain types of AI system that have unacceptable risks are being outlawed, such as those that exploit individuals’ vulnerabilities, and those that utilise subliminal techniques to distort behaviours. Having a legislative framework in place is intended to help promote innovation, investment and the adoption of AI in general. Key dates On 1 August 2024, the Arti cial Intelligence Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 entered into force as the AI Act and most of the legislation applies from 2 August 2026. However, the date that is of most interest to machinebuilders is 2 August 2027, because this is when high-risk AI systems used as safety components become regulated. In the UK, the government is not introducing AI legislation because it feels that existing laws are sucient. Nevertheless, the situation will remain under review as the government waits to see how the risks and opportunities develop. In the meanwhile, UK machine-builders supplying machinery to the EU will have to comply with the AI Act. If an AI system is operating outside the EU and its output impacts people within the EU, then it also needs to comply – although this is unlikely to be the situation for AI systems used as safety components on machines. As with most regulations, the AI Act is not retrospective. This means that an AI system does not need to comply if it is placed on the market before the AI Act becomes applicable. However, if the AI system is modi ed substantially after the AI Act becomes applicable, then it will have to be The EU’s AI Act, published last year, could have signicant implications for machinebuilders. Compliance expert Derek Coulson* outlines the background to the Act and examines how it will aect machine-builders.
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