ISO/TS 15066, “Robots and robotic devices – Collaborative robots,” has just been released. The new technical specification compliments the ISO 10218 series on robot safety. It is intended to help you better implement a work environment where both robots and operators function in a “collaborative” work space.
In the past, operators and robots have not worked in the same spaces. However, with recent improvements in technology, a variety of tasks that can benefit from robotic automation but also require human intervention can now be addressed. This type of work space, where people and robots are operating the the same area, requires new types of controls, with particular attention being paid to safety.
Those of you thinking about or already creating this type of “blended” workspace will have particular interest in this specification. It will help you address issues regarding risk assessment, both of the robot and of the workspace. The guidance it offers on identified operational functions for these types of robots is invaluable. And of course, the use of this type of robotic implementation will help you get genuine positive results in such areas as worker posture, etc.
One thing to note: This is a new field so expect further revisions in the area of power and force limitations used in the ISO/TS 15066 to be implemented over time as the field gains in maturity.
If you’re involved with robotics, you’ll want a copy of this new technical specification. Choose Document Center Inc. for your puchase — we’ve been an authorized distributor of ISO standards since the early 1990’s. You can head to our webstore, www.document-center.com, to order online in either paper format or for pdf download. Here’s the direct link to the order page for ISO/TS 15066.
Many of our customers prefer to work with us personally, contacting us either by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com). And of course, since all ISO standards can be included in our enterprise SAS solution, Standards Online, if this is of interest to you you’ll need to get in touch with us for more information. We’ve been selling standards since 1982 and offer a full range of services to support your effective use of this type of compliance information. Make us your Standards Experts!
