UL CEO Jennifer Scanlon discusses the importance of safety in the AI era. UL Solutions, formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, has been a trusted name in safety testing for over a century. Founded to conduct fire and safety testing on electrical products, UL’s mark is now ubiquitous, appearing on numerous electronic devices. However, as the market shifts, UL faces challenges. With the rise of cheap electronics prioritizing cost over safety, UL is extending its focus to AI systems. The company has introduced a new standard, UL 3115, aimed at evaluating AI-based products. Implementing such standards necessitates buy-in from various companies and regulators, ensuring AI’s safety can be reliably tested.
In a conversation with Jennifer, questions are raised about the complexity of UL’s operations and the thrill of witnessing the testing process. The company employs engineers to devise safety standards, which sometimes involves explosive tests. However, UL’s involvement extends beyond product safety. It has been drafted to lead a Cyber Safety program during the Biden administration, tasked to set standards for IoT devices. But with a shift in administration under Trump and changing relations with China, the agreement fell through, reflecting the broader dynamics of safety, technology, and geopolitics.
Jennifer emphasizes UL’s commitment to remaining relevant by addressing current and emerging safety concerns in technology. Despite its challenges, UL aims to maintain trust built over 132 years by adhering to high standards, emphasizing that innovation without safety constitutes failure. The conversation also touches on UL’s restructuring, evolving relationships with partners, and the balance between commercial interests and safety. UL Solutions aims to uphold its legacy in promoting safety in an ever-evolving technological landscape.