What are the safety standards and regulations for robots in industrial environments?

Safety standards and regulations for industrial robots are designed to protect workers and ensure reliable operation. The primary frameworks include ISO 10218 (for industrial robots) and ISO/TS 15066 (for collaborative robots), alongside regional regulations like the EU Machinery Directive. These standards define requirements for robot design, risk assessment, and safety functions. For example, ISO 10218-1 and -2 specify safeguards such as emergency stops, speed limits, and protective stops triggered by safety sensors. Compliance ensures that robots operate within defined parameters to minimize hazards like collisions or unintended movements.

Technical requirements focus on integrating safety-rated components and control systems. ISO 13849 outlines performance levels (PL) for safety-related control systems, ensuring reliability through redundancy and error detection. For collaborative robots (cobots), ISO/TS 15066 defines force and pressure limits to prevent injury during human contact. A cobot might use torque sensors to stop or retract if it detects resistance exceeding 150 Newtons, as specified in the standard. Safety functions like hand-guiding (where the robot moves only when manually directed) or speed and separation monitoring (adjusting speed based on human proximity) are also mandated. Developers must validate these functions using tools like safety PLCs or certified software libraries.

Implementation requires a structured approach. First, conduct a risk assessment per ISO 12100 to identify hazards like pinch points or falling objects. Next, integrate safety measures such as light curtains, interlocks, or zone control via safety-rated I/O. For example, a welding robot might use area scanners to halt motion when a worker enters its workspace. Finally, validate compliance through testing and documentation, often requiring third-party certification for market access. Regular audits and software updates ensure ongoing adherence. By following these steps, developers balance productivity with worker safety, avoiding costly redesigns or legal issues.