Industrial robot safety standards get major updates for 2025

After nearly eight years of development, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has announced the release of the updated ISO 10218, the global standard for industrial robot safety. This marks the first major revision since 2011 and includes key updates to enhance safety, improve clarity, and align with the latest automation advancements.

"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."

What’s New in ISO 10218?

The ISO 10218 standard is now divided into two parts:

• Part 1: Safety requirements for robot manufacturers
• Part 2: Safety requirements for robot integrators and applications

Key updates include:

• More explicit functional safety requirements make it easier for manufacturers and integrators to comply.
• Safety guidelines for collaborative robots, incorporating aspects from the previously separate ISO/TS 15066 standard.
• New safety guidance for manual loading and unloading procedures, as well as end-effectors (robot tools at the end of an arm).
• Updated classifications for robots with specific safety requirements and testing methods.
• Cybersecurity measures for industrial robots, addressing growing concerns over automation security.

How This Impacts the Industry

"This set of safety standards has immense global acceptance, but updates were needed," said Roberta Nelson Shea, global technical compliance officer at Universal Robots. "This is a pivotal moment for industrial robotics. With automation advancing at lightning speed, we need safety standards that keep pace."

Carole Franklin, director of standards at A3 Robotics, agreed with Shea's assessment: "With automation evolving at an unprecedented pace, safety standards must keep up with the latest advancements. These revisions provide clearer guidelines and new classifications that will help manufacturers and system integrators implement the latest technology for safer robotic systems."

Adoption in North America

In North America, ISO 10218 was previously adopted as ANSI R15.06 in the U.S. and CSA Z434 in Canada. Work is underway to align these standards with the new update; revised versions are expected later this year.

The 2025 edition of ISO 10218 is now available for purchase through A3’s website. Its price starts at $244 USD.

With automation expanding across industries, the updated ISO 10218 standard aims to balance innovation and workplace safety. It ensures that companies can confidently integrate robotic systems while protecting workers.