ISO 10218

Introduction

ISO 10218 is an international standard that specifies the safety requirements for industrial robots. It is published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is divided into two parts: ISO 10218-1, which covers the safety requirements for robot manufacturers, and ISO 10218-2, which addresses the safety requirements for the integration of robots into robotic systems and applications. This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe operation of robots in industrial environments, thereby protecting human workers and optimizing productivity.

Overview of ISO 10218

ISO 10218 was developed in response to the increasing use of robots in industrial settings, where they perform tasks ranging from assembly and welding to packaging and material handling. As robots became more prevalent, the need for standardized safety measures became apparent to prevent accidents and injuries. The standard provides guidelines for the design, construction, and integration of robots, ensuring they operate safely and effectively.

The standard is divided into two main parts:

**ISO 10218-1: Robots and Robotic Devices – Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots – Part 1: Robots**: This section outlines the safety requirements that manufacturers must adhere to when designing and building industrial robots. It includes specifications for the robot's mechanical structure, control systems, and protective measures.

**ISO 10218-2: Robots and Robotic Devices – Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots – Part 2: Robot Systems and Integration**: This part focuses on the safety requirements for integrating robots into robotic systems. It provides guidelines for system designers and integrators to ensure that the entire robotic system, including the robot, end-effectors, and any associated equipment, operates safely.

Key Components of ISO 10218

Safety Requirements for Manufacturers

ISO 10218-1 specifies the safety requirements that manufacturers must consider during the design and construction of industrial robots. These requirements include:

**Mechanical Design**: The robot's mechanical structure must be designed to prevent hazards such as crushing, shearing, and entrapment. This involves ensuring that moving parts are adequately guarded and that the robot's design minimizes the risk of injury.

**Control Systems**: The robot's control systems must be designed to ensure safe operation. This includes implementing fail-safe mechanisms, emergency stop functions, and protective stops to prevent unintended movements.

**Protective Measures**: Manufacturers must incorporate protective measures such as barriers, enclosures, and safety interlocks to prevent human access to hazardous areas during robot operation.

Safety Requirements for Integration

ISO 10218-2 addresses the safety requirements for integrating robots into robotic systems. Key considerations include:

**Risk Assessment**: System integrators must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards associated with the robotic system. This assessment informs the design of safety measures to mitigate identified risks.

**Safety Functions**: The integration of safety functions such as emergency stops, safety-rated monitored stops, and speed and separation monitoring is essential to ensure safe operation.

**Collaborative Operation**: For robots designed to operate in collaboration with humans, specific safety requirements must be met. These include limiting the robot's speed and force, as well as implementing safety-rated monitored stops to prevent collisions.

Implementation and Compliance

Compliance with ISO 10218 is crucial for manufacturers and integrators to ensure the safety of industrial robots and their systems. The standard provides a framework for implementing safety measures and conducting risk assessments, which are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the safe operation of robots in industrial environments.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

A thorough risk assessment is a fundamental component of ISO 10218 compliance. This process involves identifying potential hazards associated with the robot and its system, evaluating the risks, and implementing measures to mitigate them. The risk assessment should be conducted during the design and integration phases and should be reviewed regularly to account for changes in the system or its environment.

Safety Validation and Verification

Once safety measures are implemented, validation and verification processes are necessary to ensure their effectiveness. This involves testing the robot and its system to confirm that safety functions operate as intended and that the system complies with the requirements of ISO 10218.

Training and Documentation

Proper training and documentation are essential for ensuring compliance with ISO 10218. Personnel involved in the design, integration, and operation of robotic systems must be adequately trained in safety procedures and the use of safety features. Additionally, comprehensive documentation of the risk assessment, safety measures, and validation processes should be maintained for reference and compliance verification.

Challenges and Considerations

While ISO 10218 provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of industrial robots, there are several challenges and considerations that manufacturers and integrators must address:

**Technological Advancements**: As robotic technology evolves, new safety challenges may arise. Manufacturers and integrators must stay informed about technological advancements and update their safety measures accordingly.

**Human-Robot Interaction**: The increasing prevalence of collaborative robots, or cobots, introduces new safety considerations. Ensuring safe human-robot interaction requires careful attention to the design and integration of safety features.

**Global Compliance**: ISO 10218 is an international standard, but compliance requirements may vary by region. Manufacturers and integrators must be aware of local regulations and ensure that their systems comply with both ISO 10218 and regional standards.

Future Developments

The field of industrial robotics is rapidly evolving, and ISO 10218 is likely to undergo revisions to address emerging technologies and safety challenges. Future developments may include:

**Enhanced Safety Features**: As robots become more advanced, new safety features may be developed to address emerging risks. These features could include advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms for risk assessment, and improved human-robot interaction capabilities.

**Integration with Industry 4.0**: The integration of robots with Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), presents new opportunities and challenges for safety. ISO 10218 may be updated to address the safety implications of these technologies.

**Standardization of Collaborative Robots**: As collaborative robots become more common, ISO 10218 may include more specific guidelines for their design and integration. This could involve new safety requirements for human-robot collaboration and the development of standardized testing methods for cobots.

Conclusion

ISO 10218 is a critical standard for ensuring the safety of industrial robots and their systems. By providing comprehensive guidelines for the design, construction, and integration of robots, the standard helps protect human workers and optimize productivity in industrial environments. As technology continues to evolve, ISO 10218 will likely undergo revisions to address new safety challenges and opportunities, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in promoting the safe use of industrial robots.