Global | EN

Humanoid robotics testing and certification

Assess humanoid robot safety, address regulatory requirements and prepare for certification with TÜV SÜD’s whole-system testing approach.
Pictogram in .SVG for Humanoid robotics

Benefits of humanoid robot testing with TÜV SÜD

  • Pictogram in .SVG for Regulatory Complexity

    Regulatory clarity

    Understand applicable safety and conformity requirements based on the Machinery Regulation and other relevant EU requirements.

  • Pictogram in .SVG for EV battery

    Whole-system safety assessment

    Assess sensors, mechanics, control systems, software, AI-enabled functions and cybersecurity within one integrated robot system.

  • Pictogram in .SVG for Documentation

    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

Risk assessment and human interaction

Pictogram in .SVG for Responsible AI
Hazards linked to the robot’s tasks, movement, contact scenarios and interaction with people are identified. This includes collision risks, foreseeable misuse and safety measures for different operating conditions.

Functional, mechanical and electrical safety

[22 September 2025] Adjusted stroke width

Pictogram in .SVG for IECEE CCP
Safety-related control functions, safety architecture, Performance Levels or Safety Integrity Levels, and relevant mechanical and electrical hazards are assessed, including stability, energy sources and protective measures.

AI-related safety and robot cybersecurity

Pictogram in .SVG for Cybersecurity
AI-enabled perception, decision-making and behaviour are evaluated where they affect safety. For connected robots, cybersecurity risks linked to secure operation, system integrity and safety functions are also assessed.
Humanoid robot safety depends on how sensors, mechanics, software, AI and cybersecurity interact. That is why TÜV SÜD assesses humanoid robots as complete systems, not isolated components.

Benedikt Pulver

Head of Machinery Safety Department

Start your humanoid robot safety assessment

Discuss your humanoid robot system with TÜV SÜD and identify the next steps for testing, certification and regulatory readiness.

    Testing and certification of humanoid robots in four steps

    Pictogram in .SVG for Smart manufacturing
    • Pictogram in .SVG for Smart manufacturing
    • Pictogram in .SVG for Smart manufacturing

    Relevant hazards are identified and evaluated based on the robot’s intended use, operating environment, movement patterns and potential interaction with people.

    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?
    There is currently no specific harmonised standard for humanoid robots as a complete system. However, existing European legal requirements may apply depending on the robot design, functions and intended use.
    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?
    Humanoid robots are tested through a structured assessment process. This typically starts with risk assessment, followed by the definition of safety requirements, validation and verification of the system, and certification where applicable.
    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?
    CE marking is required if the humanoid robot falls under relevant EU legislation. This may apply in particular to humanoid robots within the scope of the Machinery Regulation.
    The specific classification depends on the robot system, its functions, its intended use and the applicable legal requirements.
    Can humanoid robots already be certified?
    Yes. Humanoid robot systems can already be certified based on existing requirements and recognised standards from related technical areas.
    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.

    Ready for the next step?

    Start testing and certification of your humanoid robot system with TÜV SÜD.