FEATURE Machine safety
Keep the lifecycle approach in mind: continuous quality assurance and continuous qualification
regulatory compliance over time; toolchain- centered quality assurance, to reduce latent software risk and anticipate as early as possible eventual later stage certification findings; and the continuous integration (CI) of qualified tool chains. CI environments enforce the use of qualified toolchains and capture the evidence generated. Automated testing triggered by toolchain updates, configuration changes, or scheduled regression cycles creates traceability between software builds and qualification data. This evidence can support the maintenance of an existing safety case and identify any deviations that require further analysis.
Despite the lengthy and well-publicised transition period of EU Regulation 2023/1230, some machinery manufacturers continue to underestimate the scale of change required before 20 January 2027. Although their experience with the Machinery Directive will provide a good foundation, the explicit inclusion of software, AI, and cybersecurity brings unfamiliar regulatory expectations. However, getting it right will deliver benefits that extend far beyond legal obligations. For instance, continuous toolchain qualification reduces latent risk, strengthens engineering confidence, and supports the safe deployment of autonomous and intelligent machinery. This is because it exposes both strengths and limitations, allowing engineers to design systems that avoid known weaknesses or address them proactively. Identifying toolchain issues early provides options: adapting code, engaging with tool suppliers, or selecting alternative versions. It also avoids the discovery of issues late in the compliance process, negating any potential for costly redesign and recertification efforts. In short, continuous toolchain qualification can become a competitive advantage rather than just a
regulatory tick-box exercise. The new EU Regulation 2023/1230, together with the AI Act and Cyber Resilience Act, signals the end of the traditional freeze- assess-qualify model. In its place emerges a lifecycle-based approach built on continuous qualification, continuous quality assurance, and automated evidence generation. For machine builders, adapting to this model is not optional. It is the legal foundation for placing safe, compliant, and future-ready machinery on the European market. To begin the transition, machinery manufacturers should adopt a three-step strategy. First, put the toolchain front and centre of projects to avoid hidden risks, the potential for which only increases when deploying a complex ecosystem of AI and cybersecurity.
Second, start migrating to this new strategy as soon as possible as it supports the early detection of problems and their easier resolution. It could even avoid latent issues
that only manifest after production commences. Undetected, these issues can potentially lead to risks of actual physical harm, costly recalls, and damage to brand reputation. Lastly, keep the lifecycle approach in mind. Solid Sands can help machine manufacturers comply with the regulation through the company’s test, validation and qualification suites: SuperTest™ for C and C++ compilers; and SuperGuard™ for C and C++ libraries. Both suites are available as a cost-effective, subscription-based payment model.
Solids Sands
www.solidsands.nl
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Automation | June 2026 17
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