Robot Safety Standards to Know for Robotics

Robot safety standards are crucial for ensuring safe interactions between humans and machines. These guidelines cover everything from industrial robots to personal care robots, focusing on risk assessment, control systems, and protective measures to keep operators and users safe.

1. ISO 10218: Safety requirements for industrial robots

   • Establishes safety requirements for the design, manufacturing, and use of industrial robots.
   • Focuses on risk assessment and risk reduction measures to protect operators and nearby personnel.
   • Specifies requirements for safety-related control systems and emergency stop functions.

2. ISO/TS 15066: Safety requirements for collaborative robots

   • Addresses safety requirements specifically for robots that work alongside humans.
   • Introduces concepts of collaborative operation, including safety-rated monitored stop and hand guiding.
   • Emphasizes the importance of risk assessment in collaborative environments to ensure safe interactions.

3. ANSI/RIA R15.06: Industrial robot safety standards

   • Provides guidelines for the safe design, installation, and operation of industrial robots in the U.S.
   • Includes requirements for safeguarding, risk assessment, and safety-related control systems.
   • Aligns with international standards to promote consistency in robot safety practices.

4. ISO 13482: Safety requirements for personal care robots

   • Focuses on safety requirements for robots designed to assist individuals in personal care settings.
   • Addresses unique risks associated with human-robot interaction in personal care applications.
   • Stresses the importance of user-centered design to enhance safety and usability.

5. IEC 61508: Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems

   • Sets out requirements for ensuring the functional safety of systems that include electrical and electronic components.
   • Emphasizes the need for systematic safety lifecycle processes, including design, implementation, and maintenance.
   • Provides a framework for assessing and managing risks associated with safety-related systems.

6. ISO 13849: Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems

   • Specifies requirements for the design and integration of safety-related control systems in machinery.
   • Focuses on performance levels (PL) and safety categories to ensure adequate risk reduction.
   • Highlights the importance of reliability and fault tolerance in safety-related control systems.

7. OSHA Guidelines for Robotics Safety

   • Provides regulatory guidance for the safe use of robots in the workplace.
   • Emphasizes the need for proper training, risk assessments, and safety protocols.
   • Encourages employers to implement safety measures to protect workers from robot-related hazards.

8. Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis

   • Involves identifying potential hazards associated with robot operations and assessing their risks.
   • Requires a systematic approach to evaluate the likelihood and severity of identified risks.
   • Aims to implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks and enhance safety.

9. Safety Guarding and Protective Measures

   • Involves the use of physical barriers, safety devices, and other protective measures to prevent accidents.
   • Ensures that robots are equipped with safety features such as light curtains, safety mats, and interlocks.
   • Focuses on creating a safe working environment by minimizing exposure to hazards.

10. Emergency Stop Systems

    • Essential for quickly halting robot operations in case of an emergency or unsafe condition.
    • Must be easily accessible and clearly marked to ensure rapid response by operators.
    • Should be designed to comply with safety standards and effectively stop all robot movements.