European Lawmakers Launch Laboratories to Test AI Applications
European lawmakers have inaugurated four laboratories aimed at testing artificial intelligence (AI) applications before their release. This initiative is part of the program “Digital Europe” by the European Commission. The Test and experimental sites (TEP, Tef) will explore the risks and consequences of new AI technologies prior to their introduction into the market.[1]
The laboratories will provide researchers with the ability to test machine learning algorithms, robots, and unmanned vehicles both in simulated environments and in the physical world. The research will be conducted in four different fields: production, healthcare, agriculture and food industry, and cities and communities.[2]
The production Federal District has stated that AI suppliers will have the opportunity to test their products under real conditions to assess their alignment with customer needs. By providing access to testing and experimentation infrastructure across Europe, the system aims to accelerate the adoption of AI solutions in the market. The European Commission has allocated €220 million to finance the laboratories over a period of five years. Member states have approved this support for developers, taking into account new rules and standards. In fact, earlier this month, the European Parliament passed the AI Act, which regulates AI based on the level of risk involved. The most hazardous products or services, posing unacceptable risks, will be prohibited within the EU.[3]
Through rigorous testing, developers can guarantee the reliability of their technology and ensure compliance with regulations, facilitating its introduction and commercial accessibility. Furthermore, legislators are keenly interested in the outcomes of these tests as they inform future AI policies.[4]
The following are the four laboratories and their respective focus areas:
| Laboratory | Focus Area |
|---|---|