Reliability Engineering for AI Systems: Challenges, Methods, and Directions
Rong Pan, Yili Hong, Min Xie
AI reliability concerns whether an AI system performs its intended function dependably over a stated period and under stated operating conditions, with clear evidence. As these systems become more autonomous, this function should include more than only a correct output. Retrieval, memory, tool use, permissions, human oversight, and interactions among systems must operate consistently and safely, and, for a generative AI, so must the reasoning process that produces the output. Average benchmark accuracy only measures system capability; it does not quantify this broader reliability claim. This paper adapts established reliability engineering methods, from failure definitions and operational envelopes to FMEA, accelerated testing, field monitoring, and reliability growth, to AI systems. A four-level diagnostic framework classifies failures as component, operational-loop, agentic-conduct, or network and governance failures. Test, evaluation, verification, and validation (TEVV), sequential monitoring, and FRACAS create and refresh evidence. The SMART framework provides statistical guidance for measurement, analysis, assessment, and test planning, and the NIST's AI risk management framework provides organizational guidance for governance, evaluation, monitoring, and mitigation. Three cases are discussed to illustrate these programs. It is shown that while the established reliability engineering principles can still provide a usable foundation, new measurements and safety guardrails are urgently needed as these systems are self-evolving at a fast pace.
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