In its first major revision since 2011, these new documents offer a significant leap forward in ensuring the safety of robotics in industrial environments.

February 17, 2025, ANN ARBOR, Michigan — After nearly eight years of work, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) proudly announces the publication of the revised ISO 10218, the global flagship standard for industrial robot safety. In its first major revision since 2011, these new documents offer a significant leap forward in ensuring the safety of robotics in industrial environments.

"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."

The new ISO 10218 Parts 1 and 2 feature extensive updates that focus on making functional safety requirements more explicit rather than implied. This shift enhances clarity and usability, making compliance more straightforward for manufacturers and integrators alike.

In North America, ISO 10218 had been previously adopted as ANSI R15.06 in the United States and CSA Z434 in Canada. Work is underway to adopt the new 10218 in both jurisdictions with new versions of R15.06 and Z434 expected to be released later this year.

Key Updates in ISO 10218 (2025)
ISO 10218 consists of two parts:
· Part 1: Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots (Manufacturers)
· Part 2: Safety Requirements for Industrial Robot Applications and Robot Cells (System Integrators)
Both parts have undergone extensive revisions to address the latest safety challenges and technological advancements, including:
· Clarified functional safety requirements that offer more precise safety guidelines to enhance compliance and risk mitigation.
· Integrated safety requirements for collaborative robot applications that consolidates the previously separate ISO/TS 15066.
· Incorporated safety guidance for manual load/unload procedures and end-effectors (sometimes called end-of-arm tooling or EOAT) from previously separate technical reports (TR 20218-1 and TR 20218-2).
· New robot classifications with corresponding functional safety requirements and test methodologies.
· Cybersecurity requirements pertaining to industrial robot safety.

Carole Franklin, director of standards at A3 Robotics, emphasized the significance of these updates: "With automation evolving at an unprecedented pace, it is essential that safety standards keep up with the latest advancements. This is a critical step in ensuring that as automation grows, worker safety remains a top priority. These revisions provide clearer guidelines and new classifications that will help manufacturers and system integrators implement the latest technology for safer robotic solutions."

Industry Impact
"This set of safety standards has immense global acceptance, but updates were needed" said Roberta Nelson Shea, global technical compliance officer at Universal Robots and convenor of ISO TC 299 Working Group 3. "This is a pivotal moment for industrial robotics. With automation advancing at lightning speed, we need safety standards that keep pace."

"These updates bring much-needed clarity and structure, making it easier for companies to integrate robotics with confidence. Our goal has always been to ensure that innovation and safety go hand in hand. These newly revised standards deliver on that promise."

Availability & Purchasing Information
The 2025 edition of ISO 10218 is now available for purchase to U.S. customers through A3. Companies and professionals looking to stay compliant with the latest safety requirements can acquire the standard through our webstore. Pricing starts at $244 USD, with options available for digital bundles.

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3) The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent over 1,300 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide.

A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including Automate (May 12-15, 2025, in Detroit, MI), The Robotic Grinding & Finishing Conference (July 21-23, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN) and the International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2025, in Houston, TX).

About ISO 10218
ISO 10218 is the foundational safety standard for industrial robots, providing essential guidance to ensure worker safety while maximizing operational efficiency. The latest edition underscores ISO's commitment to advancing automation safety and adapting to new technological landscapes.
For additional information or questions about the new ISO 10218 standard, please contact your national standards body. A complete listing of these organizations is available at www.iso.org/members.html.