Background <p>Triage and treatment prioritization based on urgency are essential tools for managing patient flow. In Germany, this is most commonly conducted using the Manchester Triage System (MTS).</p> Objective <p>This study investigates the potential benefits of integrating intelligent components into existing triage processes.</p> Materials and methods <p>A&#xa0;selective literature review was conducted to identify and assess the opportunities and limitations of applying artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of triage.</p> Results <p>By utilizing data routinely collected during the triage process, AI can improve the accuracy of triage decisions . The approaches differ primarily in terms of the transparency of their decision-making processes.</p> Conclusion <p>Intelligent systems can technically enhance acuity assessment. However, there are significant barriers and concerns regarding implementation, particularly from legal and ethical perspectives. Furthermore, intelligent triage tools have not yet been sufficiently studied for application in the German healthcare system. When outcomes are equivalent, AI approaches with higher transparency should be preferred.</p>