Industrial mobile robot standards being developed

Industrial mobile robots (IMRs) are becoming increasingly common on factory floors around the world. IMRs are essentially the combination of a robotic arm and a mobile platform. By definition, they are ground-based vehicles with some degree of autonomy that operate in semi-structured or structured industrial environments.

They also deliver enhanced productivity by moving from one task to another without operator intervention. This also frees up human workers to complete more high-value and cognitive-focused tasks that robots can’t automate.

Growing need for industrial mobile robot standards

As the popularity of IMRs grows, so does the need for a comprehensive set of standards. Industrial robots, collaborative robots, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) all have their own unique set of standards outlining their safety and operational requirements.

While these standards are useful, they do not cover the full scope of the latest robotic technology – particularly the new safety hazards and requirements of IMRs. In order for this technology to be fully adopted and achieve its full market potential, a definitive set of standards must be developed to guide their adoption, use and safe operation.

Industrial mobile robot standards development

A new IMR standard, R15.08, is currently under development. The team consists of experts in both the B56.5 AGV standards and the R15.06 industrial robot standard. It also includes as members of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Canadian Standards Association, and members involved in the work of the International Organization for Standards (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 299, Robotics.

Part 1 of R15.08 will specify the safety requirements for suppliers of IMRs. It is expected to be released in 2019. Part 2 will describe requirements for integrators who are designing, installing, and integrating IMRs, while Part 3 will define safety standards for end users of IMRs. Part 2 and Part 3 will be published as they are completed following the publication of Part 1.

This article originally appeared on the Robotics Online Blog. Robotic Industries Association (RIA) is a part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a CFE Media content partner. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.

Original content can be found at www.robotics.org.

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