The ‘Changing Anything Changes Everything (CACE)’ Principle: Underestimated Challenges in Applying AI/ML to Automotive Safety-Critical Systems

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into automotive safety-critical systems presents unique challenges, particularly the “changing anything changes everything” (CACE) property inherent in many AI/ML models. CACE highlights the high degree of interdependence within AI/ML systems, where even minor adjustments can have significant, unforeseen impacts on system behavior, posing risks in safety-critical applications. This paper examines the intricate nature of the CACE principle and its implications for the development cycle of AI/ML-based applications. Through case studies and theoretical analysis, we highlight CACE-related challenges and discuss strategies to mitigate these risks in safety-critical environments. Our analysis aims to raise awareness of this often-overlooked challenge, offering insights for safer, more robust AI/ML deployment in the automotive industry.