AI in the Making: is EU Artificial Intelligence regulatory framework a good move for European manufacturing?

Corrado Druetta, Senior Legal Counsel , COMAU S.p.A., Italy

On April 21st 2021, EU institutions have launched a massive initiative aiming at regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems through a series of coordinated legislative actions. Among those actions, the proposals of an Artificial Intelligence Act and the upgrade of the Machinery Directive are the founding blocks of a brand new regulatory action which is focused on improving the level of trust and safety of AI technologies to be applied in industrial manufacturing. This paper challenges the drafters’ view by using a real case study to verify if the new framework is already fit for its intended purposes or if further adjustments are needed to protect human rights without hindering innovation in European manufacturing landscape.

Corrado Druetta is a qualified Italian attorney, currently Legal Counsel at Comau S.p.A., a Stellantis’ company, where he acts as legal point of reference for Corporate Affairs and Robotics and Automation Products business unit. Corrado started his professional career in private practice, then moved to in-housel counselling within the FCA Group. He gained a relevant experience in Contract law, IT law, IP law, Freedom of Expression Online and Innovation and co-authored publications in the same fields.

Comau S.p.A. is an Italian multinational company (part of Stellantis Group), based in Grugliasco (Italy) with over 15 subsidiaries worldwide, active in developing and manufacturing industrial automation and robotics products and services.