Advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things are transforming how humans and electrotechnical systems interconnect. With the introduction of new technologies, it is critically important to ensure that human safety remains at the centre of the human-machine relationship.

Each year, several million workers are injured on the job. Aside from the economic cost, this is the source of immeasurable suffering that is largely preventable.

Using real-life examples, this white paper addresses safety in the future by exploring current social trends and initiatives as well as projects that are pioneering innovative safety solutions. All of them are based on the concept that safety will be integral to systems in which humans and machines closely interface. The paper also introduces a collaborative framework – the tripartite system for safety – which offers a systematic approach to examining key safety elements.

Bringing these safety concepts to fruition will require significant standardization efforts to mitigate challenges related to decision-making involving machines and humans.

The white paper formulates recommendations both of a general nature as well as to the IEC community.

The white paper was developed by the IEC Market Strategy Board (MSB) safety in the future project team, directed by Dr Kazuhiko Tsutsumi, MSB Convenor, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, with major contributions from the lead project partner, Dr Coen van Gulijk, TNO, the Netherlands.

This IEC White Paper is available for free download.