Machine-based system
Software or hardware system that performs tasks by computation.
How the laws define this
Both sources establish that a machine-based system fundamentally relies on computational components and automated processing rather than human mental operations. However, they diverge significantly in how they structure and apply this concept. The European Commission Guidelines regarding the definition of an 'AI system' (clarifying Article 3(1) of the AI Act) takes a broad structural approach, defining the term as encompassing both software and hardware components—whether embedded or non-embedded—and explicitly extending it to standalone applications, devices with embedded software, and distributed systems considered as a single system. Conversely, AN ACT TO DEFINE THE TERM "ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE"; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. focuses more specifically on the computational and algorithmic components as the core elements of an AI system, framing the term around its purpose of distinguishing automated machine processing from purely human cognitive processes, without detailing physical hardware, embedded software, or distributed deployment configurations.
Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi, United States | AN ACT TO DEFINE THE TERM "ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE"; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. | Awaiting Entry | Narrowly limits the term to the computational and algorithmic core of AI systems, explicitly distinguishing it from human cognitive processes. |
| European Union | European Commission Guidelines regarding the definition of an 'AI system' (clarifying Article 3(1) of the AI Act) | In Force | Broadens the term to explicitly include both software and hardware components, whether embedded or non-embedded, plus standalone applications, embedded devices, and distributed systems treated as one. |
What it triggers
- Under the European Commission Guidelines regarding the definition of an 'AI system', it sets out a functional framework to classify systems under Article 3(1) of the EU AI Act.source
- In Mississippi, under HB 1723 effective July 1, 2026, it defines the core components of artificial intelligence systems.
Definitions (2)
A system encompassing software and hardware components, whether embedded or non-embedded, that performs processing tasks through automated computational means. It includes standalone applications, devices with embedded software, and distributed systems considered as a single system for classification purposes under Article 3(1).
Refers to the computational and algorithmic components that form the core of an AI system, distinguishing it from purely human cognitive processes.
Not to be confused with
The AI system related term adds that it makes predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing environments based on human-defined objectives, while this term is more general.
The automated system related term focuses on determining outcomes or aiding decisions, whereas this term emphasizes computational processing more broadly.
The system based on AI related term specifies making predictions, recommendations or decisions, which this term does not require.
Questions and answers
What makes the Mississippi definition of machine-based system unique?
It refers specifically to the computational and algorithmic components that form the core of an AI system. This distinguishes it from purely human cognitive processes.
How does the EU guideline expand machine-based system?
It encompasses software and hardware, embedded or non-embedded, including standalone applications, devices with embedded software, and distributed systems classified as one. This aids in applying the AI Act definition.
Does machine-based system always mean AI in these definitions?
The Mississippi definition ties it to AI system cores, while the EU guideline describes it for AI Act classification.
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