Discussions surrounding the latest digital developments in farming are underway, as the EU struggles to clarify the definition of artificial intelligence (AI) in terms of digital trends.
According to CEMA – the association representing the European agricultural machinery industry- the strict definition of the term in the farming sector has not been accurately defined, and has the potential to create confusion as far as the ‘safety function’ term is concerned. The organisation has additionally highlighted several problems with legislative proposals.
As machinery is considered to be powered equipment fitted with a tool to carry out specific tasks, two aspects of the directives are under discussion presently:
- The implementation of AI installed in farm machinery which includes the general regulatory framework for AI
- The second is the machinery directive itself
CEMA comments that “the purpose of the future AI regulation is to protect individuals from the malfunctioning of artificial intelligence or its misuse for purposes that endanger safety or security.” Despite having regulations covering all aspects of AI, there is a secondary level of legislation known as the Machinery Product Regulation which covers agricultural machinery.
This has led to conflict arising on the matter as AI determines how the machine behaves may change as the system gains experience, as well as the impact of safety functions.
While the EU struggles to define the AI terms as well as the safety function legislation, digitalisation promises many gains and advantages to agriculture.
LSL News.