Introduction to R15.06-2025 Standard
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) and ANSI have released R15.06-2025, updating U.S. industrial robot safety regulations. The standard is based on ISO 10218-1:2025 and ISO 10218-2:2025, ensuring international alignment and robust safety practices.
Historical Context
ISO 10218-1, first published in 2006, establishes manufacturer requirements to reduce worker risks. ISO 10218-2, issued in 2011, covers robot cell integration, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. The U.S. combined them as R15.06-2012. The 2025 update is the first major revision in over a decade, expanding Part 1 from 50 to 95 pages and Part 2 from 72 to 223 pages.
Key Contributors
ISO Technical Committee 299 Working Group 3 and CEN Technical Committee CEN/TC 310 led the international updates. In the U.S., the R15.06 Drafting Subcommittee oversaw the adaptation, chaired by Todd Dickey (Honda Safety Consultant) and vice-chaired by Bill Edwards (Yaskawa Motoman). Members include integrators, suppliers, researchers, users, and A3 personnel.
Updated Terminology and Language
The 2025 revision revises key terms to reflect modern robotics. The phrase “collaborative robot” is replaced with “collaborative application,” emphasizing the safe interaction of humans and robots. “Safety-rated monitored stop” becomes “monitored standstill” to accurately describe stop functions in any application. “Safeguarded space” now includes dynamic protections such as sensors and area scanners beyond traditional fences or barriers.
Enhanced Safety Requirements
Part 1 focuses on manufacturer responsibilities, expanding safety functions from a few to over three dozen and introducing cybersecurity requirements. Part 2 emphasizes application integration, also increasing safety functions and incorporating guidance from ISO/TS 15066, particularly for collaborative applications.
Looking Ahead: Part 3
A3 is developing R15.06 Part 3, uniquely targeting end-users rather than manufacturers. It converts guidance from past technical reports into enforceable requirements, helping companies implement safe industrial robot cells and manage operational risks effectively.
Industry Implications and Insights
R15.06-2025 reflects the evolution of robotics, including human-robot collaboration and AI integration. Dynamic safety strategies and cybersecurity are now critical. As an engineer, I see this standard as a roadmap for designing safer, smarter, and more adaptive robotics systems in modern industrial environments.
