Collaborative Robot Safety: Practical Implementation of ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066

Collaborative Robot Safety: Practical Implementation of ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066

Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, have become a common sight in modern manufacturing plants. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots are designed to work alongside human operators on shared workspace without physical guarding, reducing costs and increasing productivity [1].

While these benefits are attractive, the integration of collaborative robots comes with unique safety challenges that must be addressed to mitigate hazards to workers. This article explores the practical implementation of two key standards—ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066—in ensuring the safe operation of cobots in practice.

Understanding ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066

ISO 10218: Safety for Collaborative Robots, published in 2016, sets out safety requirements and guidance for designing, installing, programming, and using collaborative robots. It covers aspects such as:

• Risk assessment
• Worker interaction with cobots
• Collision detection
• Power and force limitation

ISO/TS 15066: Human-Robot Collaboration – Safety Requirements for Specific Applications, issued in 2020, is a Technical Specification that provides additional guidance on the application of ISO 10218 to specific collaborative robot applications. It helps users identify and manage any residual risks not addressed by ISO 10218.

Ensuring Compliance with ISO 10218 in Cobot Life Cycle

Design Phase

Manufacturers must ensure that robots comply with the safety requirements outlined in ISO 10218 during the design phase [2]. This includes implementing safety features such as:

• Force and speed limiters to prevent injuries from impact or pinch points.
• Sensors for collision detection and response (e.g., stopping, changing trajectory).
• Emergency stop and restart procedures.
• Safe motion planning algorithms.

Installation Phase

During installation, human operators should be properly trained in safe work practices, including:

• Understanding the robot's reach zone and areas of operation.
• Recognizing malfunctions and adhering to emergency stop procedures.
• Incorporating visual indicators for cobot status (e.g., warning lights).

Programming Phase

In the programming phase, developers must ensure that:

• Robots are programmed with safe operating parameters, such as force and speed limits.
• Robots are capable of responding appropriately to unexpected events or human intervention.
• Programs are designed with collision avoidance and recovery algorithms considering the work environment and human co-workers.

Use Phase

During operation, it is imperative that:

• The robot's safety system is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it remains functional and effective.
• Operators are thoroughly trained in safe operating practices and the appropriate responses to malfunctions or emergencies.
• Any modifications to the robot, workspace, or workflow trigger a reassessment of residual risk and adaptation of the safety program as needed.

Implementing ISO/TS 15066 for Tailored Cobot Safety Solutions

ISO/TS 15066 provides guidance on the tailoring of the safety requirements from ISO 10218 to specific collaborative robot applications [3]. The main steps involved are:

• Application Description: Define the characteristics, environment, and intended usage of the cobot application.
• Hazard Identification and Assessment: Identify potential hazards associated with the application and assess their severity, frequency, vulnerability, and detectability.
• Risk Evaluation and Prioritization: Determine the acceptable level of risk for each hazard based on organizational policies and regulations, and prioritize risks accordingly.
• Specification of Safety Requirements: Specify the safety measures necessary to eliminate or reduce identified residual risks, considering ISO 10218 requirements and additional safeguards as needed.
• Verification: Verify that the specified safety measures have been implemented, and the resulting system meets the applicable standards and reduces the identified residual risks to an acceptable level.
• Validation: Validate the effectiveness of the implemented safety measures in practice by conducting demonstrations, trials, or simulations within the actual operating environment.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Continuously monitor the cobot's safety performance and update the safety program as needed to maintain acceptable risk levels over time.

Key Takeaways

1. ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 are essential standards for ensuring the safe operation of collaborative robots in shared workspaces with humans.
2. Compliance begins at the design phase, involves thorough training, regular inspections, and maintenance throughout the cobot's life cycle.
3. Implementing ISO/TS 15066 enables tailoring Safety Requirements for Specific Applications to ensure the safe integration of collaborative robots within a specific workspace context.
4. Collaborative robot operators should be well-trained in recognizing malfunctions and responding appropriately during emergencies.
5. Regular reviews of risk assessments are essential when modification to the robot, workspace, or workflow occurs.

[1] European Commission - Collaborative Robots. (2021). Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/collaborative-robots

[2] International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (2016). ISO 10218: Safety Requirements for Collaborative Robot Systems.

[3] International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (2020). ISO/TS 15066: Human-Robot Collaboration – Safety Requirements for Specific Applications.