Universal Robots Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Is it required for the robot to comply with ISO 10218-1?

No, it is required to comply with the laws and regulations in the country and/or the state that the robot is installed in. See chapter ”safety” in the UR manual for more guidance.

Why does Universal Robots not fully comply with ISO 10218-1?

It is a choice from UR’s side. The standard was written when only big, heavy and very dangerous robots existed. Certain parts of the standard will not make sense in relation to the UR Robot.

Is it OK not to comply fully with ISO 10218-1?

One should Think of the standard as a ”Best Practice” document, that was written for big heavy industrial robots. The UR Robot technology is different. UR robots are lighter, and therefore some parts of the standard did not make sense to follow. One could say that the technology is ahead of the standards. Over time this will be more up to date and aligned with the possibilities in new technologies.

Which parts of the standard ISO 10218-1 does UR5 and UR10 comply with?

UR Robots specifically comply with the parts related to ”Collaborative operation”, section 5.10.5. This standard is harmonized under the machinery directive and it specifically states that a robot can operate as a collaborative robot (i.e. without safety guards between the robot and the operator) if it is in compliance with the article 5.10.5. The risk assessment still needs to conclude that the overall robot installation is safe enough of course. A copy of the certification report can be requested from Universal Robots.

What is the difference between ISO 10218-1 and ISO 10218-2?

ISO 10218-1 is considering the design of a robot and this is the one UR follow partly. ISO 10218-2 consider the design of the installation where the robot is used. To say this more popular: ISO 10218-1 is for the manufacturers of robots, ISO 10218-2 is for the Integrators that integrate the robots in their machines or installations.

What is TS 15066, Technical Specification on Collaborative Robots?

TS (Technical Specification) 15066 is a working document. When finished this document can be made to a new Technical Specification for collaborative robots. But it is important to mention that it is work in progress, and will change before the final version. At present time, there is no date set for a final version.

What is ISO 13849?

This is a standard that describes safety related systems. This standard has its background in mechanical and electrical systems. It consists of two parts: ISO 13849-1: provides safety requirements and guidance on the principles for the design and integration of safety-related parts of control systems (SRP/CS), including the design of software. ISO 13849-2: specifies the procedures and conditions to be followed for the validation by analysis and testing of the specified safety functions, the category achieved, and the performance level achieved by the safety-related parts of a control system (SRP/CS) designed in accordance with ISO 13849-1

What is a stop category?

A standardized description of the process to stop a movement. There are three categories: – Stop Category 0: requires immediate removal of power to the actuators. This is sometimes considered as an uncontrolled stop because, in some circumstances, motion can take some time to cease because the motor may be free to coast to a stop. In this category a robots will not follow a path that is controlled. There is no control on the joints. – Stop Category 1: requires that power is retained to apply braking until the stop is achieved and then remove power to the actuator. – Stop Category 2: allows that power need not be removed from the actuator. Note that only Stop Categories 0 or 1 can be used as emergency stops (more information can be found ex. in IEC/EN 60204-1)

Which stop category is used for emergency stop in Universal Robots?

The UR Robots emergency stop is designed according to ”Stop category 1”, which means that power supply is cut, but motors are actively decelerating.

Which stop category is used for safeguard stop in Universal Robots?

The safety interface of a UR Robot is comprised of two parts; the emergency stop interface and the safeguard stop interface. Emergency stops are supposed to be used for emergencies only; the EMERGENCY STOP button immediately stops robot motions. The Safeguard stop are used to pause the robot movement in a safe way. The Safeguard Interface on the UR Robot can be used for light guards, door switches, safety PLCs etc. Resuming from a safeguard stop can be automatic or can be controlled by a pushbutton, depending on the safeguard configuration. (more details to be found in the UR user manual)

Which safety level is the Emergency Stop in Universal Robots?

The Emergency stop system is designed Performance level d and have a Category 3 system monitoring the Emergency Stop (definitions according to ISO 13849-1).

Which safety level is the Safeguard Stop in Universal Robots?

The Safeguard stop system is designed the system for Performance level d (PL d) and have a Category 3 system monitoring the Emergency Stop (definitions according to ISO 13849-1).