Industrial robots and automated guided vehicles testing

Robots have become a major part of any modern industrial facility. They play a key role in the production of goods, but also in construction, healthcare and service industries. Manufacturers are fully automating an ever-increasing number of manufacturing and logistics processes. Industrial robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) often assist these processes.

With their enhanced capabilities, robots can be the key to innovative processes and new services. Autonomous mobile robots, such as service and assistant robots, are increasingly taking on tasks that go beyond industrial processes. Depending on the task and the selected solution, a robot can collaborate directly with the user, or work completely autonomously.

However, a system failure can carry severe consequences for both people and equipment. This is why compliance with regional and international robot safety standards is a key concern for suppliers and system integrators. Many of these stakeholders are turning to specialists like TÜV SÜD for robotics testing to ensure compliance.

Industrial robots are highly complex, as many issues such as functional safety, electrical safety, mechanical safety, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, electromagnetic compatibility, and radio requirements must be considered. Furthermore, the requirements vary globally. A robust design that meets all requirements is crucial for globally integrated systems. Safety is of the highest priority when humans and robots are working side by side – also known as human-robot-collaboration (HRC), or collaborative robot (cobot). Consequently, manufacturers of cobots face a broad set of safety requirements, as reflected in numerous technical guidelines and standards.

In addition to the geographical location of the robot at point of use, different compliance rules will also apply depending on the application, the interface used and the capabilities of the robot. These are all important considerations when selecting a certification partner such as TÜV SÜD who can support the future success of your equipment. In addition, TÜV SÜD can offer all these topics from a single source and conduct a comprehensive safety assessment.

By offering fully certified, enhanced levels of product safety, you can demonstrate compliance with industry standards and best practice processes for protecting people, operations and equipment assets. Minimising risk with third-party robotics testing and certification not only ensures global market access, but also builds trust with existing and potential customers, through the reassurance of uncompromising standards.