Let's Talk About Robot Standards
Numerous new standards are coming for robotics in 2024 and beyond. So let's talk about the current players and what they are working on that could impact robotics
Aaron’s Thoughts On The Week
"Today’s standardization…is the necessary foundation on which tomorrow’s improvements will be based. If you think ‘standardization’ as the best you know today, but which is to be improved tomorrow – you get somewhere. But if you think of standards as confining, then progress stops.”—Henry Ford
At the end of 2023, I made a few predictions for 2024. Amongst those was that Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) would publish numerous new robot standards, including significant updates to existing standards. Some of this was pent-up work that had been slowed due to the pandemic, but we finally got back on track as we resumed key face-to-face meetings to iron out the final additions and edits. However, many new standards published this year or next will open up new areas for robot standards. This could be the beginning of a potential wave of more and more robot standards as more individuals and funds flow into SDOs to develop the standards needed to advance the industry.
So let’s talk about STANDARDS this week. Why we have them. Who makes them. And why they are so crucial to the robotics industry.
An Overview Of The US Standardization System
Standardization is a multifaceted process encompassing the development, promulgation, acceptance, implementation, and demonstration of compliance with standards. These standards and conformity assessment programs are crucial for facilitating commerce and form the foundation of a robust national economy and global market access.
Voluntary Consensus Standards
The U.S. standardization system is built on voluntary consensus standards, developed through an open process involving data gathering, extensive discussion, and agreement among diverse stakeholders, including industry, consumer and labor organizations, and government agencies. These standards are termed "voluntary" based on their development process, not necessarily their compliance requirements. The U.S. system is decentralized, sector-specific, and supported by independent, private sector standards developing organizations (SDOs) and conformity assessment bodies operating in response to the specific needs of industry, government, and consumers.
Innovation and Standardization
Standards stimulate and are stimulated by innovation. They establish baselines for design and performance, allowing for flexibility and competition in the market. Innovation often precedes standardization, with standards documenting proven solutions. By the 20th century, the need for coordination among U.S. standards-setting groups led to the formation of the American Engineering Standards Committee in 1918, now known as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI coordinates standardization efforts within the US among diverse interests and helps minimize overlap in standards-setting activities.
U.S. Standardization Community
The U.S. standardization community is primarily non-governmental, with industry-supported SDOs and consortia playing key roles. Globally, voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment programs are increasingly relied upon to build confidence in products and services. The U.S. participates in various standards activities through treaty organizations, non-treaty organizations, professional and technical organizations, and consortia. We will discuss these international SDOs further in this article.
Organizations Involved in Standards Development
Scientific and Professional Societies: Organizations like ASME and ASSP develop standards to further their respective fields.
Trade Associations: Industry-specific associations such as A3, AIA, and TIA develop standards for their products or industry-used products.
Cross-Industry Organizations: IEEE and ASQ develop standards that apply across multiple industries.
Umbrella Groups: ASTM International focuses primarily on standardization, while others like UL develop standards alongside their testing and certification activities.
Consortia: Groups of companies addressing specific market needs, often in rapidly developing technologies, with limited and financially tied participation.
The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
Unlike many countries with a "top-down" standardization approach where the government sets and mandates standards, the U.S. uses a decentralized system without a central government agency overseeing the entire process. Individual agencies decide which standards to use. Since the mid-1990s, U.S. agencies have increasingly referenced voluntary consensus standards.
In 1995, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act assigned the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to coordinate standards policy among federal agencies. NIST collaborates closely with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Various government bodies, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST, the International Trade Administration (ITA), the U.S. Department of State, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), work with ANSI and private sector entities to address U.S. competitiveness in the global market.
In 2000, the first National Standards Strategy for the United States was published under ANSI's guidance. It reaffirmed the U.S. market-driven approach and suggested improvements. The updated United States Standards Strategy continues reiterating these principles, aligning with internationally accepted standards principles endorsed by the World Trade Organization (WTO). These principles include transparency, openness, impartiality, consensus, and due process.
Organizations accredited by ANSI to develop American National Standards or serve as U.S. Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to ISO or IEC must adhere to essential requirements aligned with WTO and NTTAA principles.
Why Regulatory Agencies Work With SDOs
The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act directed Regulatory Agencies to leverage existing voluntary standards. Why reinvent the wheel if there is already a standard used by those who developed it?
As mentioned earlier, a standard’s “voluntary” part changes when a regulatory agency examines it. The standard was developed by those who volunteered their time to create it, and as long as no one is enforcing it, it is indeed voluntary to follow it. That can change if the regulatory agencies start using it for enforcement purposes.
However, most industries would rather have the standards they helped develop enforced than have a bureaucrat or politician push a regulation on them that they wrote from their offices. And quite frankly, the regulatory agencies prefer working with SDOs to create those standards for enforcement.
Regulatory agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lean on standards development organizations (SDOs) for several reasons:
Expertise and Technical Knowledge: SDOs bring experts from various industries, academia, and government to develop standards. These experts possess specialized knowledge and technical expertise, which regulatory agencies may not have in-house.
Comprehensive and Up-to-date Standards: SDOs regularly update their standards to reflect technological advancements, industry practices, and safety research. By referencing these standards, regulatory agencies ensure their regulations remain current and relevant.
Consensus-Based Process: Standards developed by SDOs typically undergo a rigorous, consensus-based process involving multiple stakeholders. This process helps ensure that the standards are well-balanced, widely accepted, and practical for implementation.
Global Harmonization: Many SDOs operate internationally, promoting the harmonization of standards across borders. This global perspective helps regulatory agencies align their regulations with international standards, facilitating trade and enhancing global safety practices.
Efficiency and Resource Management: Developing standards from scratch requires significant time, effort, and resources. By adopting existing standards from SDOs, regulatory agencies can efficiently leverage the work already done, allowing them to focus their resources on enforcement and other critical activities.
Industry Adoption and Compliance: Standards developed by SDOs are often well-known and widely adopted within industries. When regulatory agencies incorporate these standards into their regulations, it can lead to higher levels of compliance, as sectors are already familiar with and have been adhering to these standards.
Flexibility and Adaptability: By referencing standards from SDOs, regulatory agencies can more easily update their regulations as new standards are developed or existing ones are revised. This adaptability ensures that rules can keep pace with technological and industrial changes.
Overall, leveraging the work of standards development organizations allows regulatory agencies like OSHA and the CPSC to create more effective, efficient, and up-to-date regulations that enhance safety and protect public health.
The International Players - ISO and IEC
While SDOs such as ASTM International and UL are both based in the US, they also have an international presence with other global SDOs such as ISO and IEC. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) play pivotal roles in developing global standards. Like the previously mentioned SDO, ISO and IEC are essential for fostering international trade, ensuring product compatibility, and enhancing safety and quality across various industries.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
ISO, founded in 1947, is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 167 national standards bodies. Its mission is to develop and publish international standards that solve global challenges. ISO standards cover many sectors, including technology, manufacturing, food safety, agriculture, and healthcare. By setting standard criteria and guidelines, ISO facilitates international trade and helps organizations improve their efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
ISO operates through a consensus-based approach, involving experts worldwide who collaborate to create standards that meet both market needs and societal expectations. These standards help businesses reduce costs by minimizing waste and errors, ensuring products and services are safe, reliable, and of good quality. For consumers, ISO standards assure that products are safe and fit for their purpose. Similar to the US framework, these standards support regulatory compliance and are often referenced by various governments in their policies.
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
The IEC, established in 1906, focuses on the development of international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. With 89 member countries, the IEC's standards ensure electrical and electronic devices' safety, efficiency, and interoperability. This includes everything from household appliances and batteries to power generation and smart grid technologies.
IEC standards ensure that electrical products and systems are safe, reliable, and compatible globally. They address critical issues such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the environmental impact of electrical and electronic products. IEC standards help industries stay competitive while meeting regulatory and safety requirements by fostering innovation and technological advancement.
ISO and IEC Importance to the U.S.
For American businesses, adherence to ISO and IEC standards is critical for competing in the global marketplace. These standards help U.S. companies access international markets by ensuring their products meet global requirements, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing consumer trust. Participation in developing these standards allows U.S. experts to influence global standards, ensuring they are aligned with American interests and practices.
Like the previously mentioned SDOs, ISO and IEC standards provide a common framework that facilitates global trade, promotes innovation, and ensures the safety and quality of products and services. For most American companies, understanding and engaging with these international standards is vital for maintaining a competitive edge and contributing to the global standards landscape.
So, Which SDO Is Working On Which Robot Standard
Now that we have established why we have standards and who the key players are, you may want to know which Standard Development Organization (SDO) is working on which robotics standard. This is in no way a complete list, but to highlight some standards that are about to drop in 2024 and 2025, you should have them on your radar.
ISO 10218 - Robots and Robotic Devices - Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots (ISO)
The granddaddy of Industrial Robot Safety is getting a significant update since its last publication in 2011. A lot has changed since then, and all of those changes are being incorporated into this new 2024 version, which will be published later this summer.
The most significant update will be the incorporation of ISO/TS 15066, initially published in 2016, to address the safety of collaborative robot applications. ISO/TS 15066 will be fully incorporated into 10218 with fundamental edits that drop the term “collaborative robot” for the more expansive and more transparent term “collaborative robot application” because even though “cobots” are now a type of robot, any robot can be made “collaborative” through the overarching design of the application if the proper safety technologies and procedures are deployed. Also, a “cobot” is no longer part of a “collaborative application” if it is not collaborative by its very nature. A cobot cutting vegetables with a 10-inch knife may require caging to keep people away while cutting.
ANSI/RIA (A3) R15.06 - American National Standard for Industrial Robots and Robot Safety
This standard is a national adoption of the International Standards ISO 10218 for Industrial Robots and Robot Systems, and offers a global safety standard for the manufacture and integration of such systems. Now that ISO 10218 is getting an update, to ensure alignment, ANSI R15.06 and its Canadian equivalent Z434 will be updated to align with the ISO standard.
This work is now underway at A3, representing ANSI on robotics standards. So expect to see the updates on this standard due to the changes at the ISO level. This is something that happens when standards are interconnected to each other to ensure that efforts are not duplicated or, worse, conflicting with each other. ANSI R15.06 is not the only standard that will need to be updated due to the latest changes to ISO 10218.
New Part 3’s for ANSI/RIA (A3) R15.06 and ANSI/RIA (A3) R15.08
Standards like ISO 10218 and R15.06 come in two parts. The first part focuses on the manufacturers of industrial robots. The second part focuses on integrating those robots into a functioning application, so targeting the integrators of industrial robots. For ISO, these are the only two parts that are required. However, it does leave out a very important stakeholder - the end users of industrial robots.
To address this gap, A3 has started working on Part 3 for both R15.06 and R15.08 Safety for Industrial Mobile Robots. In 2019, A3 published TR R15.706 User Responsibilities that provided guidance and expanded on the responsibilities implied from the first two parts for manufacturers and integrators. Here in the U.S., OSHA is tasked with worker safety and will target the end users for any safety violation; having a standard for End Users of Industrial Robots is a must.
ASTM International’s F45 To Release Numerous Test & Performance Standards
I don’t want to overlook my organization’s work and our hundred-plus volunteers on the F45 Committee on Robotics, Automation, and Autonomous Systems. Focusing on developing Test and performance standards to support existing standards and help benchmark current applications, F45 has over a dozen standards in development, with the bulk of them focused on Grasping and Manipulation standardization.
Based on research conducted by robotic researchers at NIST, ASTM International will start publishing numerous test and performance standards for fixed robot grasping and mobile manipulators. These standards will help roboticists at various levels test their end effectors' strength and repeatability. They will also allow builders to select the right end effector for their use case and developers to benchmark their creations and improve on them through standardized tests.
IEC 63303 Human-Machine Interface for Process Automation Systems
Based on the ANSI/ISA-101.01 standard of the same name, this international standard is more normative than its U.S. counterpart. However, by making it an international standard, it can have a more significant impact across more industries.
Dr Maurice Wilkins who jointly led the standard project stated, “IEC 63303 is intended to be generic and focuses on the graphical user interface design and performance criteria to ensure operators have the best possible knowledge and situation awareness of the process they are overseeing.”
This standard will be published in August.
The Work Doesn’t Stop: New Standards Group Formed
Despite this work already happening, the Standards work continues to expand. This week, humanoids were introduced as part of a new standards effort, and yours truly is leading it.
The IEEE Robotics & Automation Society has announced a new study group, with me as the chair, to establish a roadmap for future safety and performance standards for humanoid robots. The group will include participants from industry, academia, government agencies, and other standards development organizations (SDOs).
The study group has one year to deliver a comprehensive analysis, including:
A review of existing standards applicable to humanoid robots.
Identification of gaps in the current standards framework.
Recognition of potential roadblocks in addressing these gaps.
Development of a roadmap for future standards to address gaps and mitigate obstacles.
This initiative is timely because of the rapid development and increasing interest in humanoid robots across various sectors. Billions of dollars are being invested in humanoids, making establishing standards crucial to prevent delays in their deployment. The study group aims to expedite the standards development process by proactively identifying current landscape issues and creating a clear path forward.
Those interested in learning more about the study group and how to get involved can visit this IEEE website: https://www.ieee-ras.org/industry-government/standards/active-projects/study-group-humanoid-robots
We Need Your Help
To close this out, us SDOs need more help. The workload is continuing to grow. I was hired by ASTM International to help with this growing workload. Other SDOs have also invested in more staff, but at the end of the day, it is volunteers from academia, industry, government agencies, and other key areas that create standards.
If you would like to join these efforts, contact the SDO that you are interested in joining.
A3 has their application for standards writing membership right here: https://www.automate.org/robotics/standards/global-robotic-standards-committee-application-form
Joining an ASTM Committee like F45 can be done here: https://www.astm.org/get-involved/technical-committees.html
Applying for a UL Committee can be done here: https://safetyscience.my.site.com/MyInfo/s/
Would love to see more of you at the table, so we can get more standards written and used by the industry.
Robot News Of The Week
GrayMatter raises $45M Series B to ease robot programming for manufacturers
GrayMatter Robotics has secured $45 million in Series B funding to expand and meet customer demand. The company aims to enhance workforce productivity using AI-powered systems, reduce tedious tasks, and address labor shortages in manufacturing. It offers robotics-as-a-service solutions that combine AI with off-the-shelf robots and tools to improve production capacity and reduce costs.
Robotics Institute Germany established
The Robotics Institute Germany (RIG), launched by leading German robotics centers, aims to be the central hub for AI-based robotics. Unveiled at the "AI-based Robotics 2024" conference, RIG will foster cutting-edge research, talent development, and industry collaboration. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the initiative involves major universities and research institutions. RIG's goals include promoting global competitiveness, sharing resources, advancing education, establishing benchmarks, and enhancing industry partnerships. This strategic move aims to position Germany as a leader in AI-based robotics, driving innovation and economic growth.
Vecna Robotics raises more than $100M, hires COO to expand warehouse automation
Vecna Robotics announced the closing of its $100 million Series C round, with $40 million in new funding including equity and debt. The company will focus on developing new automation technology for material handling in warehousing and distribution, including autonomous mobile robots, orchestration software, and a Command Center to help automate critical workflows and address labor shortages.
Public servants uneasy as government 'spy' robot prowls federal offices
The "little robot" equipped with about 20 sensors and a 360-degree camera, is being used in Gatineau office buildings to collect data and improve the work environment. It measures air quality, light levels, noise, humidity, temperature, and gases such as CO2, methane, and radon. The aim is to create a more comfortable and productive workspace while reducing energy costs and carbon footprint. The government is paying $39,663 to lease the robot for two years and plans to continue using it after a successful pilot program.
Robot Research In The News
Engineers unlock design for record-breaking robot that could jump twice the height of Big Ben
The University of Manchester engineers have designed a robot capable of jumping 120 meters, beating the current highest-jumping robot's record of 33 meters. They used mathematics, computer simulations, and experiments to optimize the robot's size, shape, and part arrangement. The research, published in the journal Mechanism and Machine Theory, has potential applications in planetary exploration, disaster rescue, and surveillance of hazardous spaces. Co-author Dr. John Lo emphasized that jumping is an effective way for robots to travel in uneven terrains and overcome obstacles, such as inside caves or on other planets.
In a recent paper, roboticists from Shanghai Jong Tong University presented JT-fly, a bug-like robot capable of crawling, taking off horizontally, flying, hovering, and self-righting. Weighing 35 grams with a 33-centimeter wingspan, JT-fly uses four wings to fly at up to 5 meters per second and six legs to scurry at 0.3 m/s. Its battery provides around 8 minutes of flying and 60 minutes of crawling. These robots are designed to move intermittently, using both crawling and flying capabilities to be more effective.
Robot Workforce Story Of The Week
From Student to Mentor: Bryson Potts' Journey Through SeaPerch and the Future of STEM Education
Eight years ago, Bryson Potts competed in a SeaPerch competition, igniting his passion for STEM and leading him to a career as a mechanical engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division in Florida. Today, Potts mentors students at SeaPerch events, emphasizing the program's role in fostering future STEM talent. The 2024 International SeaPerch Challenge, held at the University of Maryland, featured over 170 teams from around the world. Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), SeaPerch helps students build underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to enhance their engineering skills. The event showcased students' creativity through technical papers, presentations, and challenging underwater obstacle courses. The Naval STEM Coordination Office participated for the first time, highlighting career opportunities in naval STEM fields. Since 2011, SeaPerch has expanded globally, engaging over 250,000 students annually and hosting numerous regional competitions.
Robot Video Of The Week
GXO Logistics, Inc. is partnering with robot manufacturer Apptronik to use their AI-enabled humanoid robot named Apollo. The robot is designed to assist in the distribution center, reducing repetitive work and improving safety. Apollo stands 5’8” tall, can carry 55 pounds, and is powered by linear actuators that mimic human muscles. The companies are evaluating the robot's performance in a lab setting before deploying it to a U.S. distribution center. This partnership represents an important step in GXO's strategy to advance humanoid innovation in the logistics industry.
Upcoming Robot Events
June 24-27 International Conference on Space Robotics (Luxemborg)
July 2-4 International Workshop on Robot Motion and Control (Poznan, Poland)
July 8-12 American Control Conference (Toronto, Canada)
Aug. 6-9 International Woodworking Fair (Chicago, IL)
Sept. 9-14 IMTS (Chicago, IL)
Oct. 1-3 International Robot Safety Conference (Cincinnati, OH)
Oct. 7 Humanoid Robot Forum (Memphis, TN)
Oct. 8-10 Autonomous Mobile Robots & Logistics Conference (Memphis, TN)
Oct. 14-18 International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (Abu Dhabi)
Oct. 15-17 Fabtech (Orlando, FL)
Oct. 16-17 RoboBusiness (Santa Clara, CA)
Oct. 28-Nov. 1 ASTM Intl. Conference on Advanced Manufacturing (Atlanta, GA)
Nov. 22-24 Humanoids 2024 (Nancy, France)