Humanoid robotics testing and certification
Assess humanoid robot safety, address regulatory requirements and prepare for certification with TÜV SÜD’s whole-system testing approach.Benefits of humanoid robot testing with TÜV SÜD
Regulatory clarity
Understand applicable safety and conformity requirements based on the Machinery Regulation and other relevant EU requirements.
Whole-system safety assessment
Assess sensors, mechanics, control systems, software, AI-enabled functions and cybersecurity within one integrated robot system.
Traceable testing and documentation
Receive objective, transparent test results to support safety documentation, regulatory classification and certification planning.
What is humanoid robotics testing?
Humanoid robotics testing is the structured assessment of human-like robots and their safety-related functions. It evaluates whether a humanoid robot can operate safely in its intended environment, especially where people are nearby or interact directly with the system.
Depending on the robot design and application, testing can include robot risk assessment, functional safety assessment, movement and collision behaviour, software and system analysis, AI-related safety considerations, robot cybersecurity and verification of safety functions.
The goal is to identify potential hazards, define appropriate safety requirements and verify whether the robot system meets recognised safety expectations in line with the state of the art.
Our testing approach for humanoid robots
There is currently no fully harmonised standard for humanoid robots as a complete system. However, manufacturers still need to address safety, conformity and documentation requirements before placing new systems on the market.
TÜV SÜD tests humanoid robot systems in line with the state of the art. We combine recognised standards from related technical areas and apply them to the specific robot system, its intended use and target market.
Depending on the system, application and target market, relevant standards and technical references can include:
- ISO 12100 for risk assessment
- ISO 13849, IEC 62061 and IEC 61508 for functional safety
- ISO 10218-1 and ISO 10218-2 for robotics
- IEC 62443 and EN 50742 for cybersecurity
- ISO/IEC CD TS 22440 for AI in the context of functional safety
- ISO/PAS 5672:2023
- ISO/TR 20218-1:2018
This approach enables a structured assessment even without a dedicated product standard for humanoid robots. Manufacturers receive a traceable basis for safety evidence, regulatory classification and certification decisions.
As new humanoid robot systems are already entering the market, safety evidence is increasingly expected at an early stage. Testing based on existing requirements helps create transparency for customers, partners and authorities.
Key safety and regulatory areas we assess
Functional, mechanical and electrical safety
AI-related safety and robot cybersecurity
Benedikt Pulver
Head of Machinery Safety Department
Testing and certification of humanoid robots in four steps
Frequently asked questions
What risks do humanoid robots pose?
Humanoid robots may operate close to people and act partly autonomously. Typical risks can arise from the interaction of different system components, including:
- Collisions caused by movement in the operating environment
- Malfunctions in control systems or software
- Unsafe decisions or behaviour linked to AI-enabled functions
- Cyber risks in connected robot systems
- Human-robot interaction risks during foreseeable use or misuse
What regulatory requirements apply to humanoid robots?
They can include the EU Machinery Regulation, relevant aspects of the EU AI Act, the Cyber Resilience Act and, where applicable, the EU Battery Regulation.
How are humanoid robots tested?
Testing may include functional tests, fault simulations, software and system analyses, assessment of safety-related control functions, cybersecurity review and documentation checks.
Do humanoid robots require CE marking?
The specific classification depends on the robot system, its functions, its intended use and the applicable legal requirements.
Can humanoid robots already be certified?
The basis is a structured assessment in line with the state of the art. TÜV SÜD evaluates risks, safety requirements and system behaviour to support transparent and traceable certification decisions.
Assess humanoid robot safety with TÜV SÜD
Humanoid robots require a safety assessment that reflects their design, intended use and interaction with people. TÜV SÜD helps manufacturers evaluate key risks, define the right testing approach and prepare clear evidence for certification and regulatory discussions.
