Manufacturing Today Issue - 247 April 2026 | Page 25

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Robotics
data, model updates, and runtime behavior to ensure AI systems remain secure and predictable throughout deployment.
Physical safety and human interaction risks
As robots increasingly operate alongside humans in factories and service settings, safety concerns are prompting calls for improved safeguards. The risks range from minor injuries to serious harm, particularly in environments where close-contact collaboration is essential. Unlike traditional robots, robots using machine learning and autonomous decisionmaking don’ t always behave the same way twice. This means that workers may assume predictability that no longer exists, which may lead to unsafe moments. The AI-driven autonomy fundamentally changes the safety landscape, which makes testing, validation, and human oversight much more complex- but also more necessary. Robotic systems need to be designed and certified in line with ISO safety standards and clearly defined liability frameworks. ■
Carsten Heer www. ifr. org
Carsten Heer is press officer & communication expert for The International Federation of Robotics. The International Federation of Robotics is the voice of the global robotics industry. IFR represents national robot associations, academia, and manufacturers of industrial and service robots from over twenty countries.
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