As humanoid robots and physical AI move closer to deployment in workplaces, industriAll Europe stressed that recent changes to EU legislation risk weakening protections for workers interacting with AI-enabled industrial machinery.
A key concern is the removal of machinery legislation from the automatic classification of high-risk AI systems under the AI Act. IndustriAll Europe warned that this could create inconsistencies in the regulatory framework and allow some high-impact applications to escape stricter oversight. Thus, leading to a weaker and more fragmented safety framework for workers across Europe.
The issue is particularly relevant as Europe prepares for the transition from the Machinery Directive to the new Machinery Regulation, which will apply from 2027 and introduces updated requirements for autonomous systems and human-machine collaboration.
While AI and robotics can support innovation and productivity, industriAll Europe underlined that their impact is not predetermined. Without adequate safeguards, workers could face:
- increased workplace surveillance and data exploitation;
- algorithmic control replacing worker voice;
- deskilling and loss of professional autonomy;
- higher work intensity and cognitive load.
IndustriAll Europe also stressed that workers must retain meaningful control over decisions affecting their work as AI systems become more autonomous. Human oversight, transparency and accountability must remain central principles in the deployment of AI-powered machinery.
To ensure a just digital transformation, industriAll Europe called for:
- coherent regulation across AI, machinery and cybersecurity legislation;
- stronger worker protection in increasingly autonomous workplaces;
- robust social dialogue and collective bargaining;
- worker involvement throughout the design and deployment of AI systems.
As the development of humanoid robots accelerates, governance must evolve alongside technology. Innovation can only deliver lasting benefits if workers' rights, workplace democracy and high-quality jobs remain at the centre of the digital transformation. IndustriAll Europe will continue to closely monitor developments in EU legislation and policy to ensure that technological progress goes hand in hand with strong worker protection, democratic oversight and meaningful worker involvement.