Robotics Safety Legislation and Standards

Robotics Safety Legislation and Standards

Robotics is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to greatly improve productivity, efficiency, and safety in many industries. However, with the increasing use of robots, it is essential to ensure that appropriate safety legislation and standards are in place to protect workers and the public. In this explanation, we will discuss some of the key terms and vocabulary related to robotics safety legislation and standards in the context of an Advanced Certificate in Health and Safety in Robotics.

1. Robot

According to ISO 8373:2012, a robot is defined as an "actuated mechanism programmable in two or more axes with a degree of autonomy, moving within its environment to perform intended tasks." Autonomy is a key characteristic of robots, as it enables them to operate independently of human control.

2. Robotics System

A robotics system consists of one or more robots working together with other equipment, sensors, and software to achieve a specific goal. ISO 10218-1:2011 defines a robotics system as "a combination of interconnected devices, controlled by a computer program, capable of performing a series of actions automatically."

3. Hazard

A hazard is a situation or condition that can cause harm to people, property, or the environment. In the context of robotics safety, a hazard is a risk associated with the use of robots or robotics systems. Examples of hazards in robotics include crushing, impact, entanglement, and electrical shock.

4. Risk

Risk is the likelihood of harm or injury resulting from a hazard. In robotics safety, risk assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks associated with the use of robots or robotics systems. Risk assessment is a critical part of developing and implementing a safety management system for robotics.

5. Safety Integrity Level (SIL)

Safety Integrity Level (SIL) is a measure of the reliability and performance of safety functions in a robotics system. SIL is defined in IEC 61508:2010, a standard for functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety-related systems. There are four SIL levels, ranging from SIL 1 (lowest) to SIL 4 (highest). The SIL level required for a robotics system depends on the severity of the potential harm and the likelihood of the hazard occurring.

6. Performance Level (PL)

Performance Level (PL) is a measure of the reliability and performance of safety functions in a robotics system, similar to SIL. PL is defined in ISO 13849-1:2015, a standard for safety of machinery. There are five PL levels, ranging from PL a (lowest) to PL e (highest). The PL level required for a robotics system depends on the severity of the potential harm and the likelihood of the hazard occurring.

7. ISO 10218

ISO 10218 is a series of standards for robot safety developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 10218 consists of two parts: ISO 10218-1:2011, which covers industrial robots, and ISO 10218-2:2011, which covers personal care robots. These standards provide guidelines for the design, integration, and use of robots and robotics systems to ensure safety.

8. ISO/TS 15066

ISO/TS 15066:2016 is a technical specification for collaborative robot safety developed by the ISO. Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace. ISO/TS 15066 provides guidelines for the design, integration, and use of cobots to ensure safety.

9. Robot Safety System

A robot safety system is a set of components and processes designed to prevent or mitigate hazards associated with the use of robots or robotics systems. A typical robot safety system includes sensors, controls, interlocks, and emergency stops.

10. Functional Safety

Functional safety is the application of safety principles to the design and operation of safety-critical systems. In robotics, functional safety is implemented through safety functions, which are designed to prevent or mitigate hazards.

11. Safety Function

A safety function is a function designed to prevent or mitigate hazards in a robotics system. Safety functions are typically implemented through hardware or software components, such as sensors, controls, or interlocks.

12. Fail-Safe

Fail-safe is a design principle used to ensure safety in the event of a failure. A fail-safe system is designed to fail in a safe state, preventing or minimizing harm. Examples of fail-safe systems in robotics include emergency stops and power failure detection.

13. Redundancy

Redundancy is the use of multiple components or systems to perform the same function, to improve reliability and safety. In robotics, redundancy is used to prevent or mitigate hazards in the event of a failure. For example, a robot may have multiple sensors to detect obstacles, or multiple actuators to move a limb.

14. Single Point of Failure

A single point of failure is a component or system in a robotics system that, if it fails, can cause the entire system to fail or malfunction. Identifying and eliminating single points of failure is a critical part of robotics safety.

15. Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks associated with the use of robots or robotics systems. Risk assessment is a critical part of developing and implementing a safety management system for robotics.

16. Safety Management System

A safety management system is a systematic approach to managing safety in a robotics system. A safety management system includes policies, procedures, and processes for identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks associated with the use of robots or robotics systems.

17. Hazard Identification

Hazard identification is the process of identifying potential hazards associated with the use of robots or robotics systems. Hazard identification is a critical part of risk assessment and safety management.

18. Risk Evaluation

Risk evaluation is the process of assessing the likelihood and severity of harm associated with a hazard. Risk evaluation is a critical part of risk assessment and safety management.

19. Risk Control

Risk control is the process of implementing measures to prevent or mitigate hazards associated with the use of robots or robotics systems. Risk control measures may include design changes, protective equipment, or procedures.

20. Safety Certification

Safety certification is the process of verifying that a robot or robotics system meets safety standards and regulations. Safety certification is a critical part of ensuring safety in the use of robots or robotics systems.

Challenges in Robotics Safety Legislation and Standards

While there are many safety legislation and standards for robotics, there are still challenges in ensuring safety in the use of robots. One challenge is the rapid pace of technological change, which can make it difficult to keep up with new hazards and risks. Another challenge is the lack of standardization in robotics safety, as different industries and applications may have different safety requirements.

In addition, there is a need for greater awareness and education around robotics safety, both for designers and operators of robotics systems. This includes understanding the risks and hazards associated with robotics, as well as the safety legislation and standards that apply.

Finally, there is a need for greater collaboration and coordination between stakeholders in robotics safety, including regulators, manufacturers, and users. This includes sharing best practices and lessons learned, as well as working together to develop and implement safety management systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, robotics safety legislation and standards are essential for ensuring safety in the use of robots and robotics systems. Understanding the key terms and vocabulary related to robotics safety is critical for anyone working in this field. By implementing safety management systems and following safety legislation and standards, we can ensure that robots are used safely and effectively in a wide range of applications.