Justin Croyle on Functional Safety in Autonomous Systems
n this episode of Safety Third, host Erik Reynolds speaks with Justin Croyle, a safety expert known for his candid perspective on the evolving safety landscape. As autonomous systems continue to shape our world, Croyle makes the case that functional safety is not a checkbox—it’s a mindset that must be embedded from the very start.
In this episode, Erik and Justin discuss:
Designing for Failure—and Recovery
Croyle reframes functional safety as the art of designing systems that fail gracefully. Systems must be engineered to respond intelligently to the unexpected—especially in autonomous applications where human oversight is minimal.
A Call for Smarter, Faster Standards
Traditional standards are struggling to keep pace with emerging technologies. Croyle advocates for principle-based frameworks that prioritize real-world performance, continuous verification, and intent instead of rigid rules.
Safety as a Strategic Advantage
When safety is embedded early, teams move faster, design better, and reduce costly surprises. Croyle’s message: safety isn’t a constraint—it’s a competitive edge that belongs at the core of innovation.
