Robots

　　Robotics is a rapidly evolving field. From fixed, enclosed multi-joint industrial robots to open-architecture collaborative robots; from intelligent logistics storage systems in retail and logistics warehouses to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) widely used in industrial and commercial settings; from educational robots to service robots; and from personal care robots to medical robots. We support the robotics industry wherever the wave of innovation reaches.

Through close collaboration with robot manufacturers, we conduct risk assessments and conformity evaluations to ensure that robotics products—whether standalone robots or components of automated systems—meet global safety and performance standards.

We provide industry-leading compliance and quality assurance services to help manufacturers of robotic products and integrated robotic systems successfully enter their target markets.

　　 Key Risks Associated with Robotic Products

From a safety perspective, whether industrial robots or other types of robots, various types of risks must be identified and assessed, primarily including:

▪ Mechanical: Mechanical risks related to system functionality and design

▪ Electrical: Electrical risks related to the overall electrical safety performance of components within the system

▪ Thermal: Risks of fire or other injuries caused by overheating

▪ Noise: Hazards posed by noise generated during operation

▪ Vibration: Risks arising from vibration caused by product structural issues

▪ Radiation: Various radiation risks that the system may generate

▪ Materials: Risks associated with materials used within the system or in actual applications

▪ Ergonomics: Ergonomic risks related to system design and operational comfort

▪ Environment: Risks related to the specific operating environment of the system

　　▪ A combination of the above risk categories

　　 Evaluation and Certification of Robotic Products

Europe:

▪ CE Certification

North America (U.S. and Canada):

▪ ETL Listing Certification

Suitable for mass production and sale

▪ ETL LPC (Limited Production Certification)

▪ ETL Field Labeling (U.S.)

▪ Special Inspection (Canada)

▪ RIA Certification

　　Suitable for small-batch production and sales / customized production and sales / turnkey project integration and integrated system production and sales

China:

▪ CR Certification

Global Markets

▪ CB Certification

▪ Verification of compliance with various standards

　 Testing of robotic products

The scope of quality assurance and testing for robotic products primarily includes:

▪ Electrical Safety

▪ Software Evaluation

▪ Wireless Communication

▪ Mechanical Safety

　　▪ Risk Assessment and Functional Safety

▪ Battery Testing and Hazardous Location (Explosion-Proof) Assessment

▪ Environmental Testing

▪ Electromagnetic Compatibility and Immunity Testing

　　▪ Performance, Including Noise and Vibration

▪ Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment (SEM) Testing and Evaluation

▪ Process Evaluation—Risk Management, Programmable Electronic and Electrical Medical Systems, Usability

　　▪ Cybersecurity

　　 European Requirements

Robots within the European Union are regulated based on their application. Industrial robots fall under the scope of the Machinery Directive (MD) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC). They must comply with the requirements of these directives and the harmonized standards adopted under them.

▪ EN 12100: Safety of machinery—Design principles—Risk assessment and risk reduction

▪ EN SIO 10218-1: Robots and robotic devices—Safety requirements for industrial robots

▪ EN SIO 10218-2: Robots and robotic systems—Robotic systems and integration

▪ EN 60204-1: Safety of machinery—Electrical equipment of machines—Part 1: General requirements

▪ ISO/TS 15066: Robots and robotic devices—Collaborative robots

▪ EN 1525: Safety of industrial trucks—Autonomous trucks and their systems

　　▪ EN 1175-1: Safety of industrial trucks—Electrical requirements—Part 1: General requirements for battery-powered trucks EN ISO 13482: Robots and robotic systems—Safety requirements for personal care robots

▪ EN 61000-6-2: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)—Part 6-2—Immunity for industrial environments

▪ EN 61000-6-4: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)— —Part 6-4—Emission requirements for industrial environments

▪ Specific standards for medical robots: IEC 60601-1 ED3+AMD1: This general standard is to be applied in conjunction with various new standards currently under development:

　　▪ IEC 80601-2-77: Specific requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of robot-assisted surgical equipment

▪ IEC 80601-2-78: Specific requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of medical devices for rehabilitation, assessment, remediation, or relief

▪ If applicable to potentially explosive atmospheres, the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU should also be considered. If mechanical safety is achieved through safety distances, EN 13857 applies. ISO 13849-1 and other mechanical standards may also apply.

▪ In addition, some robots must also comply with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), which specifies safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements for radio equipment and spectrum devices.

　　 North American Requirements

　　The North American market has developed a series of standards related to robotic products, which, together with existing international standards, ensure a high level of safety assessment.

▪ ANSI/RIA R15.06: American National Standard for Industrial Robots and Robotic Systems—Safety Requirements

▪ ANSI/UL1740: Standards for Robots and Robotic Equipment

▪ CAN/CSA Z434: Industrial Robots and Robotic Systems

▪ EN ISO 10218-1: Robots and robotic devices—Safety requirements for industrial robots

▪ EN ISO 10218-2: Robots and robotic devices—Robotic systems and integration

▪ UL 3100: Evaluation Guidelines for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

▪ CAN/ANSI C22.2#336: Rechargeable Battery-Powered Commercial Robotic Ground Handling Equipment

▪ ISO 13482: Robots and robotic devices—Safety requirements for personal care robots

▪ IEC 61508-1: Functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety systems—Part 1: General requirements

▪ IEC 61508-2: Functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety systems—Part 2: Requirements for electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety-related systems

　　▪ IEC 62061: Safety of machinery—Functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic control systems

▪ If used in potentially explosive atmospheres, relevant North American explosion-proof standards and requirements should also be considered.

　　International Requirements

▪ ISO 12100: Safety of machinery—General principles for design—Risk assessment and risk reduction

▪ ISO 10218-1: Robots and robotic devices—Safety requirements for industrial robots

　　▪ ISO 10218-2: Robots and robotic devices—Robotic systems and integration

▪ IEC 60204-1: Safety of machinery—Electrical equipment of machines—Part 1: General requirements

　　▪ IEC 61508 series: Functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety systems

▪ ISO 13849-1: Safety of machinery—Control systems relating to safety-related parts—Part 1: Design principles

　　▪ IEC 62061: Safety of machinery—Functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic control systems

▪ IEC 61000-6-2: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)— —Part 6-2—Immunity in industrial environments

▪ IEC 61000-6-4: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)—Part 6-4—Emission standards for industrial environments