2025 Updates Change Robotics Safety Standards

Who Is in Charge of Writing Safety Standards for Robotics and Automation?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the global body that researches, develops, and publishes international standards across industries. In 2011, ISO released its first dedicated robot safety standards under ISO 10218. Today, the standard has evolved into two parts:

• Part 1 – Safety requirements for the design and manufacture of robots

• Part 2 – Safety requirements for robot systems, applications, and integration

How Do ISO Standards Apply in the U.S.?

In the United States, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) acts as the bridge to international standards. ANSI reviews and adopts ISO standards so they can be applied nationally. In practice, this means ISO 10218 and ANSI RIA standards work hand-in-hand, creating consistency for manufacturers, system integrators, and end-users. When a company in the U.S. complies with ANSI standards, they are effectively aligned with ISO requirements as well.

What New Standards Are They Emphasizing?

The 2025 update to ISO 10218 reflects advances in automation and the realities of modern factory environments, including warehousing automation. Key areas of emphasis include:

• Functional safety – Clearer requirements for safety-related control functions

• Human-robot interaction – Expanded guidance on safe operations where people and robots share workspaces

• Cybersecurity – Recognizing that connected robots must be safeguarded against digital threats

• Explicit safety functions – Load handling, force limits, and operating modes are now spelled out rather than left to interpretation

Why Is It Important to Meet These Safety Standards?

Compliance isn’t just about regulation—it’s about protecting people and ensuring long-term operational success. Meeting ISO 10218 robot safety standards helps businesses:

• Reduce the risk of workplace accidents

• Minimize liability exposure

• Build confidence in automated systems among workers and customers

Even industry leaders place high value on safety. For example, Universal Robots offers Risk Assessment e-Learning, underscoring that a safety-first mindset is fundamental to automation success.

Do the New Standards Cover Cobots?

Yes—but with a change in perspective. The term cobot (collaborative robot) is no longer favored in the standards, because it can be misleading. It suggests that collaboration is inherent to the robot itself, when in fact safety depends on the entire system—from design and integration to environment and operation.

Instead of separating cobots from other robot arms, ISO 10218 now emphasizes a holistically safe and compliant automation system, with requirements for:

• Safe shared workspaces between people and robots

• Defined limits on speed, force, and power where human contact is possible

• Protective devices, sensors, and safety functions applied system-wide

Are You Ready to Build a Safe, Compliant System?

Understanding and applying ISO 10218 is a critical step toward building automation systems that are both effective and safe. By focusing on holistic safety—rather than labels—you can design solutions that protect people, meet international standards, and build trust across your organization and industry.

👉 Contact our engineers today to discuss how we can help you design a safe, compliant automation system tailored to your operations.