AI in industry: VDE and KTL pave the way for international certification

(Berlin/Frankfurt a. M., 25.04.2024) Shortening development times, saving resources, increasing competitiveness: the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in industry is huge. This is why more and more AI applications are finding their way into everyday industrial life. But how can we ensure that the AI technologies of tomorrow are safe, reliable and globally recognized? An international certification system for industrial AI should provide a remedy. The VDE and the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) are now working together on this. The starting signal was given in April with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Berlin. In addition to AI, the partners have another current topic in mind: There is also to be a multinational certification concept for the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Global reach and impact

Due to the increasing global reliance on AI technologies and the growing prevalence of electric vehicles, the partners from Europe and Asia want to set new standards in the technical certification industry. "With industries around the world integrating AI at a rapid pace, the need for standardized, reliable certification frameworks is greater than ever," emphasizes Sven Öhrke, Managing Director of VDE Global Services. 

Together, they plan to develop a system that will allow the results of performance tests to be recognized worldwide. In this way, they want to ensure that industrial AI systems that are used across national borders meet the highest standards for safety and reliability. 
In addition, the certifications should be in line with global regulatory changes such as the AI Act of the European Union and the AI Safety Institute Consortium of the United States.

The aim of the project is not only to increase the scope and effectiveness of the certifications, but also to minimize the risks associated with AI technologies, enable innovation and strengthen consumer and investor confidence in these products. 

Driving forward technology standards

International certification would simplify the process for companies seeking global market access. For them, it would mean less time and expense. In this way, the VDE and KTL aim to pave the way for customers to successfully expand internationally and drive global standards. In addition, they intend to exchange technologies and expertise that will enhance the skills and capabilities of professionals in both Germany and Korea.

AI certification from Germany

The AI Quality & Testing Hub (AIQ), which was founded by the VDE and the state of Hesse, is already doing pioneering work in the market for the certification of AI systems. It evaluates AI systems throughout their entire life cycle so that companies can measure and improve their quality.

About the VDE Institute 

The VDE mark is synonymous with safety and quality in electrical devices, components and systems for more than 100 years. The VDE Institute - a subsidiary of the VDE Group - is a worldwide partner for industry customers, business, government authorities, the electrical trade and consumers. More than 100,000 devices per year are subjected to product, quality and safety tests by the VDE Institutes independent testing engineers before they receive the VDE mark. Around the globe, VDE experts monitor more than 7,000 production facilities. Cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries ensure that the tests performed by the VDE Institute are internationally recognized. 200,000 types of products with millions of model variants bear the VDE mark worldwide. The VDE Testing and Certification Institute GmbH, a non-profit organization, employs more than 500 people in Offenbach am Main.

For more information, visit www.vde.com/institute

About VDE

VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years. 

Our passion is the advancement of technology, the next generation of engineers and technologists, and lifelong learning and career development “on the job”. Within the VDE network more than 2,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide, more than 100,000 honorary experts, and around 1,500 companies are dedicated to ensuring a future worth living: networked, digital, electrical.  
Shaping the e-dialistic future. 

The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com