In today’s world, technology requirements can turn the standards process on it’s head. That is, in the past standards often were the last step in the introduction of new technologies. Now, we frequently see standardization precede the development and adoption of new kinds of products. The newly-released ISO 13482, “Robots and robotic devices – Safety requirements for personal care robots,” is a good example of this.
The field of robotics has been with us for quite a while, used extensively for manufacturing purposes. But the widespread adoption of robotics for personal use has not yet taken place. Early uses for such robots include stoke rehabilitation and personal mobility. Now leaders in the field envision robots that will enhance quality of life in other non-medical ways. And what is the top concern as these products are being developed? Legal liability in case of an accident.
So a team of experts was assembled to create the new ISO 13482 document, providing a framework for assurance of safety in the design and construction of the non-medical personal care robot as a first step in providing suppliers with a methodology for risk assessment and mitigation that will be legally accepted.
The document provides guidance for certification, including a thorough review of the integration, installation, and use of the robots during their full life cycle. And direction is also given on the information that should be provided to users of such technology.
At this point, the uses of the technology are focused on 3 areas: mobile “servant” robotics, personal assistance robots, and person carrier robotics. So an exoskeleton application named HAL from Cyberdyne has already received a safety certificate in Japan based on the ISO 13482 draft document!
This is a lengthy standard (86 pages) with many referenced documents, primarily addressing safety of machinery issues and robotics. It is considered a type-C standard, meaning that it’s detailed safety requirements take precedence over the requirements of type-A and type-B documents. And you be pleased to know that there are an additional 5 informative Annexes covered the following topics in detail:
- Significant hazards for personal care robots
- Examples of operational spaces for personal care robots
- An example of the implementation of safeguarded space
- Examples of functional tasks of personal care robots
- Examples of markings for personal care robots
The 3-page bibliography at the end of the standard provides you with a lengthy list of applicable standards and other articles and reports on topics relating to the new ISO 13482.
The document has already been adopted by the EU (the official English language edition is BS EN ISO 13482). It is expected to be used to meet the requirements of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). And the rapid adoption underlines the sense that this type of product needs solid regulatory oversight to assure manufacturers and users that proper attention has been placed on safety concerns.
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