AI and Robotics as Safety Enablers: Lessons from the Industrial Frontline
As industries accelerate digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are emerging as powerful tools for enhancing safety performance and reducing operational risks. This presentation explores how organizations are leveraging intelligent technologies to identify hazards, predict incidents, automate high-risk tasks, and improve real-time decision-making across industrial environments.
Drawing on practical examples from the industrial frontline, the session will highlight the successful application of AI-driven analytics, computer vision, autonomous inspections, wearable technologies, and robotic systems in strengthening safety outcomes. Participants will gain insights into implementation challenges, lessons learned, workforce implications, and the critical role of human oversight in ensuring safe and responsible adoption.
The presentation will demonstrate how the combination of technological innovation and safety leadership can create safer, smarter, and more resilient workplaces while supporting operational excellence and sustainable performance.
Speaker(s)
Dr. Antonio Feraco is Global Head of IoT & Robotics at Magotteaux International SA and Founder & CEO of Machina Mentis Limited, his industrial AI and digital transformation advisory practice. He holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and brings more than 20 years of experience applying digital technology and AI to industrial risk, operational excellence, and workforce safety across heavy manufacturing, energy, and process sectors — including robotics deployment in high-risk process areas as a lever for workforce health and safety.
Previously, as Global Vice President for Digital Services/Industry 4.0 Consulting at TÜV SÜD Asia Pacific, Antonio developed robotics safety frameworks and industrial automation standards for clients globally, and led the international scale-up of the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) — now conducting readiness assessments across 70+ factories worldwide as a certified SIRI and ITTI Assessor. Earlier, he directed an applied AI/IoT R&D centre at Fraunhofer Singapore. He is a published author on AI and industrial digitalization (Springer, IEEE, IGI Global).
