Safety and Liability in the Age of AI and the Connected Industry
From the Machinery Directive to the new Machinery Regulation: AI, software, cybersecurity, technical documentation and product liability are changing the requirements for modern machinery and plant. The GIMAV Roundtable outlines what manufacturers, suppliers and operators need to bear in mind going forward.
At a glance
Date + Time: 23 October 2026: 10.00 am – 3.45 pm
Location: Stage 1 - glass trends live, Hall 10 A10
From the Machinery Directive to the new Machinery Regulation
The new Machinery Regulation marks a decisive step for European manufacturers of industrial technologies: the replacement of the Directive by a Regulation provides for a directly applicable and more uniform legal framework across all Member States, strengthening the harmonisation of the European market and reducing uncertainties in its application.
In a highly innovative sector such as machinery for glass processing, the discussion will examine the new regulation as an opportunity to rethink design, technical documentation, the management of software as a safety component and supply chain contracts.
Key topics of the round-table discussion
At the GIMAV Roundtable, experts will discuss the opportunities and challenges this presents for manufacturers, suppliers and operators – and how companies can strategically leverage the new Machinery Directive to ensure that safety, liability and lifecycle management are fit for the future.
AI, software and cybersecurity
The Machinery Regulation takes account of the growing importance of digital components. Software, control systems, predictive maintenance, machine learning and safety-related functions are coming increasingly into focus. The central question is how machines can be designed safely when they are networked, capable of being updated and, in some cases, self-learning. In this context, cybersecurity is becoming a key factor in machine safety. Remote access, software updates and after-sales services will need to be examined even more closely in future.
Safe use and product liability
For manufacturers, operating instructions, safety warnings and training programmes are far more than just mandatory formal documents. They serve to prevent accidents, enhance safety in use and, at the same time, protect against liability risks. The principles of integrated safety require that foreseeable misuse be taken into account right from the design, manufacturing and documentation stages – particularly when it comes to clear, comprehensible operating instructions for machines used in industrial settings and in day-to-day service operations.
Sustainability and the supply chain
Product safety does not end once a machine has been placed on the market. The Machinery Regulation increasingly considers safety across the entire life cycle. As a result, issues such as extended machine service life, scheduled and predictive maintenance, spare parts management, software updates and the reduction of plant downtime are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, digital technical documentation is becoming an important tool for more efficient life cycle management.
Get ready for the new Machinery Regulation
Take advantage of the GIMAV Roundtable to address the new requirements at an early stage and gain inspiration for safe, connected and future-proof machine solutions in the glass industry.
