Human and AI Collaboration and Safety 160

Adaptive

A process that can automatically adjust its behavior. Adaptive means there is a response to changing conditions.

AI

Artificial intelligence. The ability of a machine or computer to imitate intelligent human behavior. AI allows machines to perform a process with autonomy.

Artificial intelligence

AI. The ability of a machine or computer to imitate intelligent human behavior. Artificial intelligence allows machines to perform a process with autonomy.

Cell

An arrangement of machines, tooling, materials, and operators structured around the design of similar products. Cells encourage smooth product flows and use space efficiently.

Celsius

A temperature measurement scale used in the metric system that is divided into degrees Celsius. On the Celsius scale, the freezing point of water is 0 degrees, and the boiling point is 100 degrees.

Cloud

A network of remote servers that can be accessed through the internet. The cloud stores many software applications and can be used to back up data.

CNC

Computer numerical control. A programmable control system for a machine tool, directed by mathematical data, that uses microcomputers to machine parts. A CNC machine is much quicker and more accurate than its manual counterpart and has unique setup considerations.

CNC Lathe

A machine that uses computerized numerical data to control workpiece rotation and cutting tool movements for the machining of cylindrical parts. CNC lathes are precise and versatile.

CNC Machining Center

A sophisticated automated tooling device that can perform multiple machining operations in the same setup with a variety of tools. CNC machining centers perform automated cutting, drilling, milling, and shaping operations on a workpiece using programmed tool paths.

Command prompts

A predefined instruction or system cue that guides AI systems on the next action to take within a process, machine interface, or digital workflow. Detailed command prompts help ensure consistent execution, reduce errors, and support timely responses.

Compliance

The act of upholding standards and regulations. Compliance is required by law for all OSHA standards relevant to a given industry.

computer vision systems

CVS. A deep learning capability that enables an artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and identify objects by recognizing visual patterns through a camera or on a screen. Computer vision systems can be useful for supervised or unsupervised machine learning but require very large amounts of visual data.

Confidence score

A numerical value that reflects how strongly an AI system believes its prediction is correct. Confidence scores that are high indicate greater accuracy, while lower scores indicate less accuracy.

Criminal hackers

A type of hacker who uses computer coding and other skills to carry out illegal activities, such as stealing sensitive data or disabling digital technology. Criminal hackers, or black hat hackers, may include nation-states, foreign or domestic groups, or individuals seeking financial or political gain.

Cyber crimes

Any illegal activity carried out using digital technology. Cyber crimes are often hard to detect and can result in significant losses for individuals and organizations.

Cyberattack

An effort to disrupt, disable, or gain illegal access to a cyber network or device. Cyberattacks include hacking, phishing, and malware.

cybersecurity

Protection against criminal or unauthorized access to computer networks, programs, and data. Cybersecurity has become a major industrial concern as networking and connectivity have increased.

Cycle

One complete sequence of operations required to produce a part. Cycles in manufacturing represents performing a task or running a machine process from start to finish.

Deterministic

A process where the inputs, conditions, and actions consistently produce the same, predictable output every time. Deterministic means there is no randomness or variability.

Edge AI

A system that performs data processing and decision-making directly on local devices such as sensors, cameras, or embedded hardware. Edge AI enables fast, private, and real-time insights without manufacturers needing to rely heavily on the cloud.

Emergency stop

E-stop. A button, pedal, or lever that automatically shuts off the power to a machine. Emergency stops can help prevent serious injuries.

Environmental conditions

The characteristics of the surroundings of a device that determine how it reacts, performs, or wears. Environmental conditions that affect most machines include dust, vibration, moisture, and temperature.

Escalate

To raise an issue, concern, or abnormal condition to a higher level of authority or expertise. Escalating ensures that problems are addressed quickly by involving the appropriate personnel.

Fahrenheit

The temperature measurement scale used in the English system. On the Fahrenheit scale, the freezing point of water is 32 degrees, and the boiling point is 212 degrees.

False positive

When a system incorrectly identifies a part, process, or condition as defective or abnormal when it is within acceptable limits. A false positive can lead to unnecessary interventions, such as stopping production or removing good parts from the line.

Feedback loops

The process where operators provide corrections, observations, or context that an AI system uses to improve its future recommendations. Feedback loops help AI better understand actual machine behavior and operating conditions, making the entire system safer and more reliable over time.

Generative artificial intelligence

GenAI. A type of advanced software that creates new content. Generative artificial intelligence creates outputs that resemble human-created work while adapting to user prompts or context.

human-machine interface

HMIs. A peripheral device that displays information and allows robots to interact with other equipment, computers, and networks. A human-machine interface may connect to an industrial network.

Legacy

Relating to a previous technology. Legacy equipment is typically obsolete.

lockout/tagout

LOTO. A method of protecting employees from accidental equipment activation through proper locking and labeling of potentially hazardous equipment undergoing maintenance. Lockout/tagout prevents dangerous parts of a machine from moving unexpectedly while technicians work on them.

Logbook

A record used to track important activities or observations during production, such as equipment maintenance and environmental conditions. Logbooks record any deviations from standard operating procedures that may help trace production problems.

logs

A record used to track important activities or observations during production, such as equipment maintenance and environmental conditions. Logs record any deviations from standard operating procedures that may help trace production problems.

LOTO

Lockout/tagout. A method of protecting employees from accidental equipment activation through proper locking and labeling of potentially hazardous equipment undergoing maintenance. LOTO prevents dangerous parts of a machine from moving unexpectedly while technicians work on them.

Machine guard

A rigid shield or cover that encloses hazardous areas on a machine. Machine guards prevent accidental machine contact with body parts and prevent debris, such as chips, from exiting the machine.

micro‑feedback

Small, frequent signals operators give by flagging unusual machine behavior or clarifying an AI prompt. Micro-feedback inputs accumulate over time to improve AI accuracy, strengthen safety boundaries, and reduce the chance of unsafe recommendations.

natural language processing

NLP. A deep learning capability that enables an artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and identify language patterns audio speech or written text. Natural language processing requires very large amounts of data.

Novel

Conditions, patterns, or situations that fall outside a normal operating range. Novel conditions can challenge manufacturing processes or AI systems because they differ from training models.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A federal government agency dedicated to reducing injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration creates regulations that employers must legally follow to ensure employees work in a safe and healthy environment.

Open-source

Software or code that is free to modify and change by anyone. Open-source data is generally publicly available.

Personally identifiable information

PII. Any data that can directly or indirectly reveal a specific individual, such as names, employee IDs, badge numbers, or contact details. Personally identifiable information can link a person to specific machine activity, shift records, or operational data, creating privacy and security risks if disclosed.

Press

A machine with a stationary base and an upper slide that repeatedly moves up and down. A press shapes or cuts metal to create useful parts for a range of industries.

Proactive

Anticipating potential issues or opportunities. Proactive means taking action before problems arise or performance declines.

Programmable logic controller

PLC. A processor-driven device that uses logic-based software to provide electrical control to a machine or process. A programmable logic controller typically uses deterministic logic.

Proprietary

A product whose rights are owned by the company that designed it. Proprietary products can be used only with the permission of the owner.

Reactive

Responding to issues after they occur, such as equipment failures, quality problems, or supply disruptions. Reactive responses emphasize immediate problem-solving rather than anticipating or preventing the issue in advance.

Recency

The degree or level of focus placed on the most current data, events, or operator actions when evaluating performance, quality, or machine behavior. Recency can influence decisions, trends, or system responses.

Retrofitted

Modernized or upgraded with additional features which were not equipped on the machine when it was originally manufactured. Retrofitted machines may be upgraded with sensors to enhance quality and predictive maintenance strategies.

Safety lead

A person responsible for guiding, coordinating, and monitoring safety practices. The safety lead helps identify hazards, enforce safety protocols, and drive continuous improvement in workplace safety culture.

Semiconductor

A material that restricts electrons but still allows them to flow. Semiconductors, such as silicon, have more electrical conductivity than insulators but less than conductors.

Sensor

A device that detects a change in a physical stimulus and turns it into a signal that can be measured or recorded. Sensors may be connected to a machine or system in order to collect operational data that is later analyzed.

Speech pattern recognition

The ability of an AI system to interpret audible speech by identifying speech patterns. Speech pattern recognition technology requires complex machine learning algorithms.

Spindle

A component of a machine tool that rotates the workpiece or cutting tool. The spindle in a machining center works by rotating the cutting tool at controlled speeds and torque.

Stale

Outdated relative to current production conditions. Stale data is typically unreliable for real-time decision-making.

Standard operating procedures

SOP. A document describing an organization's routine processes. Standard operating procedures contain a moderate amount of detail about the techniques and equipment used to create a set of work instructions for employees to follow.

Stored energy

Power that has not been used or dissipated. Stored energy can release unexpectedly and cause injuries if operators and technicians do not follow procedures to dissipate it.

System version

A specific release or iteration of a software or control. System version identifies the exact configuration, features, and updates in place across machines and operations.

Troubleshooting

A systematic approach to solving problems quickly and efficiently. Troubleshooting often involves a logical process of elimination to identify the source of a problem.

Uncertainty indicator

A signal generated by an AI system to show unfamiliar or unstable input conditions. An uncertainty indicator helps operators recognize when the AI is unsure of the results.