Key Updates in the 2023 Edition
The 2023 revision of ISO 10218 brings about several significant changes aimed at improving both the functionality and safety of industrial robots in modern applications. The key updates focus on risk assessment, collaborative robotics, and cybersecurity.
Risk-Based Flexibility
One of the most notable changes in ISO 10218:2023 is the introduction of more flexible requirements based on the risk level of the application. This is particularly important for collaborative robots, which often work in close proximity to humans. The standard no longer prescribes rigid safety functions for all applications. Instead, it allows the performance level to be derived through a comprehensive risk assessment, ensuring safety measures are tailored to the specific risks presented by each application.
Collaborative Robot Safety
The rise of collaborative robots, or cobots, has necessitated new safety approaches. ISO 10218-1:2023 and ISO 10218-2:2023 incorporate provisions from ISO/TS 15066, which specifically addresses the safe design of collaborative robots. These new guidelines provide more detailed requirements for ensuring safe interaction between humans and robots. They include safety measures for mitigating risks associated with physical contact and detailed instructions on designing safe workspaces.
Cybersecurity Integration
As robots become more connected, cybersecurity has emerged as a crucial consideration. The updated ISO 10218-1:2023 now includes requirements to protect robots from unauthorized access. Cyberattacks can cause robots to malfunction, potentially leading to safety risks. The standard references the IEC 62443 series, which outlines security measures for industrial control systems, ensuring that the robot’s control systems are protected from external threats.
New Functional Safety Requirements
The updated standards also introduce new functional safety requirements. For example, robots must have at least two operational modes—manual and automatic—with specific safety conditions for switching between them. In particular, the use of off-on-off switches is of particular importance to the safety of robots and cobots both in training the system and during normal function. Additionally, new guidelines now govern safe handling, storage, and transportation of robots, further enhancing the overall safety framework.
Expanded Safety Functions
Another new feature is the mandatory inclusion of certain safety functions, such as the “normal stop” function, which is now required in all robots to ensure quick and safe halts in operation. This is a significant addition to the safety features required under previous versions of the standard.
Conclusion
The new ISO 10218-1:2023 and ISO 10218-2:2023 standards represent a crucial step forward in ensuring the safety of industrial robots. By incorporating risk-based flexibility, enhanced guidelines for collaborative robots, and cybersecurity requirements, these standards provide a comprehensive framework for safe robotic operations. As automation continues to grow, adherence to these standards will be essential for manufacturers, integrators, and end-users alike, ensuring that industrial robots can safely and effectively collaborate with humans and other systems in the workplace.
Live Electronics Ltd works with manufacturer IDEC to supply industry leading enabling (off-on-off) switches, safety interlocks and laser systems along with their safety commander offering the ability to use a modern tablet while retaining safety functionality such as enabling switches and estops.
