Robotics Topic 30: Safety Certification for Robots |…

Q: Collaborative modes?

Power/force limiting, speed/sep.

Standards and Process

ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, IEC 61508 represent key standards governing robot safety. These standards provide a framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate safeguards to prevent harm.

A thorough risk assessment is conducted, alongside the establishment of Performance Level (PL) targets based on simulations in Programmable Logic/Simulation In The Loop (PL/SIL). This process defines acceptable levels of risk and guides the design of safety mechanisms.

Verification and validation activities, including audits by independent bodies, ensure that the robot system meets the specified requirements and operates safely under various conditions. These processes are crucial for demonstrating compliance with relevant standards.

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Example

Example: Cobot Certification demonstrates a practical application of safety standards. This involves identifying potential hazards associated with the robot's intended use and establishing appropriate risk mitigation measures.

The system’s risks and limits are carefully assessed, determining the necessary PL target for safe operation. This often includes utilizing simulations to validate the effectiveness of implemented safeguards.

Validation is performed according to ISO/TS 15066, ensuring that the robot system consistently meets its safety requirements throughout its operational lifecycle. Regular audits and testing further confirm compliance.

Frequently asked questions

Sensors?

Safety-rated sensors are crucial for detecting potential hazards and triggering appropriate responses. These sensors must meet specific performance criteria to ensure reliable operation in safety-critical applications.

Stop functions?

Safe Torque Off (STO) and Emergency Stop (E-stop) functionalities are essential for rapidly halting robot motion in emergency situations. Proper implementation and testing of these stop functions are paramount to safety.

Collaborative modes?

Collaborative robots operate within defined boundaries using power/force limiting, speed/separation monitoring to ensure safe interaction with humans. These parameters must be carefully calibrated and validated.

Documentation?

Comprehensive traceability artifacts are required to document the entire safety lifecycle of the robot system. This includes design specifications, test reports, risk assessments, and validation results.

Software?

The development lifecycle for robot software must incorporate rigorous safety practices, including requirements management, code reviews, and thorough testing to minimize potential vulnerabilities.

Change control?

A robust change control process is essential to manage modifications to the robot system. Any changes should trigger a reassessment of risks and ensure continued compliance with safety requirements.

Validation?

Validation activities involve conducting tests under various conditions to verify that the robot system meets its specified performance criteria and operates safely in real-world scenarios. This includes both simulation and physical testing.

Field safety?

Ongoing monitoring of the robot’s operation in the field is crucial for identifying potential issues or deviations from expected behavior. Regular updates and maintenance ensure continued safe performance.

Costs?

The costs associated with safety certification include testing, audits, and ongoing compliance activities. Investing in robust safety measures upfront can prevent costly incidents and liabilities later on.

Outlook?

Future trends in robot safety are driven by the development of AI safety frameworks and standards, emphasizing proactive risk management and continuous monitoring to ensure safe operation alongside increasingly sophisticated robots.

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