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A new report presents the occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges and opportunities related to the Use of systems or technical procedures to allow a device or system to execute (partially or fully) a function that was previously, or conceivably could be, carried out (partially or fully) by a human. of cognitive tasks, such as decision support, data processing, learning and teaching support or language and text processing, through (AI) AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). ( AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). )-based systems.

How can AI-based systems make work more efficient and reduce cognitive workload? And how do changes and interaction with the systems impact workers?

Based on the taxonomy of systems for the automation of tasks, developed in a prior EU-OSHA publication, this report assesses the current state of research on the effects of automation of cognitive tasks and the implications for specific jobs, occupations, sectors and for OSH.

Two policy briefs complement the report. The first one shows the key risks and opportunities for OSH that should be considered and gives recommendations to protect workers. The second one presents the European Commission’s ‘Artificial Intelligence Act’ and investigates national initiatives.

Find out about the OSH implications in the report and summary Cognitive automation: implications for occupational safety and health

Consult the policy brief Cognitive automation: impact, risks and opportunities for occupational safety and health

Read the policy brief on Cognitive automation: what are the EU and Member States doing to protect workers?

Learn more about the project in the thematic web section Digitalisation of work