Are robots about to take over the world? Maybe not entirely, but their increasing intelligence and pervasiveness are setting the stage for massive growth in the semiconductor and software industries. As physical AI systems become more sophisticated, it’s crucial to consider their safety, especially when working alongside humans. Let’s dive into how the automotive industry’s functional safety cues are influencing the development of safe and reliable AI-powered robots.
Robots are at the core of physical AI, encompassing everything from humanoid robots to industrial automation, drones, and autonomous vehicles. As these robots transition from isolated environments to collaborative spaces, safety becomes paramount. The automotive industry, with its well-established safety standards, offers valuable insights for ensuring the safe deployment of physical AI systems.
## The Rise of Collaborative Robots
Traditionally, industrial robots operated within large safety zones to prevent accidental harm to humans. However, advancements in AI, machine learning, wireless tech, and sensor fusion are enabling robots to work in close proximity to people. These collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to assist with tasks in various settings, from factories and warehouses to homes and hospitals.
## Learning from Automotive Safety
The automotive industry has decades of experience developing safety-critical systems, such as anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. These systems adhere to stringent safety standards like ISO 26262, which defines requirements for functional safety in automotive electronics. Physical AI developers are now looking to these standards for guidance in ensuring the safety of robots.
## Ensuring Safe Physical AI
Matthew Graham, senior group director at Cadence, emphasizes the importance of verifying physical AI systems to prevent accidents. He believes AI will not entirely replace humans, as human oversight is necessary to achieve the required certifications for autonomous vehicles, robots, drones, and other applications. By adopting safety principles from the automotive industry, developers can build safer and more reliable robots that can work safely alongside humans.
