It seemed as if technology and applications for industrial robotics had stagnated for quite some time. The last few years have witnessed advances on many robotic fronts. It seems fitting that updated industrial robot safety standards are releasing.
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has announced the conclusion of eight years of work with the publication of the revised ISO 10218, the global flagship standard for industrial robot safety. In its first major revision since 2011, these new documents offer a leap forward in ensuring the safety of robotics in industrial environments.
The two main areas of concern include Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots (Manufacturers) and Safety Requirements for Industrial Robot Applications and Robot Cells (System Integrators).
Here’s what’s new:
- Clarified functional safety requirements for easier compliance and reduced risk
- First-time inclusion of cybersecurity standards for industrial robot safety
- Simplified guidance for collaborative robots (previously separate in ISO/TS 15066)
- New robot classifications & test methodologies
“Working alongside hundreds of global experts, A3 played a pivotal role in shepherding this update to publication, to refine safety requirements in response to evolving automation technologies and workplace demands,” said Jeff Burnstein, A3 president. “This effort reflects A3’s ongoing commitment to enhancing robotic safety and supporting the widespread adoption of automation.”
The new ISO 10218 Parts 1 and 2 feature extensive updates that focus on making functional safety requirements more explicit rather than implied. This shift enhances clarity and usability, making compliance more straightforward for manufacturers and integrators alike.
In North America, ISO 10218 had been previously adopted as ANSI R15.06 in the United States and CSA Z434 in Canada. Work is underway to adopt the new 10218 in both jurisdictions with new versions of R15.06 and Z434 expected to be released later this year.
Key Updates in ISO 10218 (2025)
ISO 10218 consists of two parts:
- Part 1: Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots (Manufacturers)
- Part 2: Safety Requirements for Industrial Robot Applications and Robot Cells (System Integrators)
- Clarified functional safety requirements that offer more precise safety guidelines to enhance compliance and risk mitigation.
- Integrated safety requirements for collaborative robot applications that consolidates the previously separate ISO/TS 15066.
- Incorporated safety guidance for manual load/unload procedures and end-effectors (sometimes called end-of-arm tooling or EOAT) from previously separate technical reports (TR 20218-1 and TR 20218-2).
- New robot classifications with corresponding functional safety requirements and test methodologies.
- Cybersecurity requirements pertaining to industrial robot safety.
Carole Franklin, director of standards at A3 Robotics, emphasized the significance of these updates: “With automation evolving at an unprecedented pace, it is essential that safety standards keep up with the latest advancements. This is a critical step in ensuring that as automation grows, worker safety remains a top priority. These revisions provide clearer guidelines and new classifications that will help manufacturers and system integrators implement the latest technology for safer robotic solutions.”
The 2025 edition of ISO 10218 is now available for purchase to U.S. customers through A3. Companies and professionals looking to stay compliant with the latest safety requirements can acquire the standard through our webstore. Pricing starts at $244 USD, with options available for digital bundles.
