The European Spallation Source ESS is a large-scale research facility under construction in Lund, Sweden, which will provide high-intensity neutron beams for scientific research from 2025. To generate the neutrons, protons are accelerated to 95% the speed of light in a 600-m linear accelerator and collide with a rotating target made of 3 tons of tungsten. During operation, it must be ensured that the facility is not activated or damaged by errant protons, which is realized by the Machine Protection System (MPS). In a research collaboration, we have supported ESS in the design of the MPS, developed the Fast Beam Interlock System (FBIS) and are extending it with self-learning, distributed AI-based functions to predict potentially critical events (Predicitve Interlock).