Cited by 96Safety Systems Engineering in AutonomyArtificial Intelligence ApplicationsExplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)

Artificial intelligence in safety-critical systems: a systematic review

Open access
Wang, Yue, Chung, Sai Ho·2022·Industrial Management & Data Systems

Abstract

Purpose: This study is a systematic literature review of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in safety-critical systems. The authors aim to present the current application status according to different AI techniques and propose some research directions and insights to promote its wider application. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 92 articles were selected for this review through a systematic literature review along with a thematic analysis. Findings: The literature is divided into three themes: interpretable method, explain model behavior and reinforcement of safe learning. Among AI techniques, the most widely used are Bayesian networks (BNs) and deep neural networks. In addition, given the huge potential in this field, four future research directions were also proposed. Practical implications: This study is of vital interest to industry practitioners and regulators in safety-critical domain, as it provided a clear picture of the current status and pointed out that some AI techniques have great application potential. For those that are inherently appropriate for use in safety-critical systems, regulators can conduct in-depth studies to validate and encourage their use in the industry. Originality/value: This is the first review of the application of AI in safety-critical systems in the literature. It marks the first step toward advancing AI in safety-critical domain. The paper has potential values to promote the use of the term “safety-critical” and to improve the phenomenon of literature fragmentation.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1108/imds-07-2021-0419

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137 of 137 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Wang, Y., & Chung, S. H.
Affiliations
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK)
Venue
Industrial Management & Data Systems
Publisher
Emerald
Published
2021-12-07
Volume
122
Issue
2
Pages
442-470
ISSN
0263-5577 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4200024486
Cited by
96
References
138
Citations by year
2026: 40 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 2
FWCI
1.30
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Industrial Management & Data Systems (publishedVersion)
  • PolyU Institutional Research Archive (Hong Kong Polytechnic University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality › Safety Systems Engineering in Autonomy
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Artificial Intelligence Applications
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)
Keywords
artificial intelligence, safety-critical systems, explainable AI, safe learning, Bayesian networks, deep neural network, AI regulation

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