Glossary · EU AI Act: machinery and Annex I
AI-enabled machine function
Also known as: AI function in machinery, learning machine function, self-evolving behavior
An AI-enabled machine function is a function of machinery whose output or control behavior depends on training data, inference or ongoing adaptation — such as learning perception, adaptive control loops, predictive safety functions or model-based decision logic. Where it affects safety or control, it is examined under the Machinery Regulation from January 20, 2027.
- AI regulation
- EU
- Machinery
- Technical documentation
In one sentence
An AI-enabled machine function depends on training data, inference or adaptation; if it affects safety or control, it is assessed from 2027.
Example
An adaptive gripping force controller that learns from part variations affects control behavior, so its possible failures belong in the machine's risk assessment and control-system evaluation.
How it applies
- Typical functions: Learning perception used for safety-related decisions, adaptive control loops, predictive safety functions, model-based decision logic with a safety purpose, and AI-driven safety or control modules.
- What is examined from 2027: Control system integrity, resistance to corruption, reliability of safety-related behavior, ergonomic and operational implications, and cybersecurity aspects that affect safety functions — requirements already in Annex III of the Machinery Regulation.
- Third-party assessment: Safety components and machinery with fully or partially self-evolving behavior using machine learning that ensure safety functions are among the products that need a notified body under the Machinery Regulation.
- Not every AI function: Functions used solely for assistance, optimization or convenience are outside the safety component concept unless their failure would endanger health or safety. Document that reasoning.
- Technical documentation: Keep an inventory of AI functions with purpose, data, model version, safety classification and validation evidence, and record changes to learned behavior; see AI drift and the machinery AI timeline.
Compared with the USA, Canada and China
Elsewhere, AI-enabled machine functions are handled through general functional safety practice (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, IEC 61508) and employer safety duties, without AI-specific legal triggers. Standardization work on AI and functional safety, such as ISO/IEC TR 5469, is international and used in all four jurisdictions.
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