New Industrial Robot Safety Standard Released

New Industrial Robot Safety Standard Released with Major Updates

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has published the ANSI/A3 R15.06-2025 safety standard, marking the most significant update to industrial robot safety requirements in over a decade.

Enhanced Safety Framework for Modern Automation

This comprehensive standard establishes updated safety protocols for industrial robots and robotic systems. The publication represents the U.S. national adoption of ISO 10218 Parts 1 and 2, replacing the previous 2012 version. The standard addresses evolving automation technologies while maintaining focus on worker protection.

Key Updates and Improvements

The 2025 revision introduces several critical enhancements that reflect current industry needs and technological advancements.

Collaborative Robot Integration
The standard incorporates guidance for collaborative applications, consolidating ISO/TS 15066 requirements into the main safety framework.

Expanded Component Coverage
New content addresses end-effectors and manual load/unload procedures, drawing from ISO/TR 20218-1 and ISO/TR 20218-2 technical reports.

Cybersecurity Considerations
For the first time, the standard includes cybersecurity guidance as part of comprehensive safety planning and implementation.

Updated Classifications
Revised robot classifications come with corresponding safety functions and updated testing methodologies.

Clarified Terminology
The standard replaces “safety-rated monitored stop” with “monitored standstill” for broader technical accuracy and understanding.

Industry Leadership Perspective

Jeff Burnstein, President of A3, emphasized the standard’s importance. “This is more than a milestone in safety standardization. It’s a call to action,” he stated. “Publishing this safety standard directly impacts the safety of millions of people working in industrial environments worldwide.”

Carole Franklin, A3 Director of Standards Development for Robotics, highlighted the practical benefits. “This standard delivers clearer guidance, smarter classifications and a roadmap for safety in the era of intelligent automation,” she explained. “It empowers manufacturers to design and deploy safer systems more confidently while supporting innovation.”

Standard Structure and Availability

The complete standard includes Part 1 covering industrial robot safety requirements and Part 2 addressing robot systems and applications. Part 3, focusing on user safety requirements for industrial robot cells, will publish later in 2025. Early purchasers will receive Part 3 automatically at no additional cost.

The protected PDF document is available for immediate purchase through A3’s online store, with pricing starting at $655. This investment provides access to the most current safety requirements for industrial robotics implementation.

Author’s Analysis: The Evolving Safety Landscape

This update represents a necessary evolution in robot safety standards. The integration of collaborative robot guidance reflects the industry’s shift toward human-robot interaction. More significantly, the inclusion of cybersecurity marks recognition that digital threats now directly impact physical safety in automated environments.

The clarified functional safety requirements should reduce interpretation challenges for integrators, while the updated terminology better aligns with international standards. These improvements will likely accelerate adoption and compliance across the automation industry.

Practical Implementation Guidance

System Integration
Integrators should review the updated safety function requirements and testing methodologies for all new robotic cell designs.

Risk Assessment
The enhanced classifications require updated risk assessment protocols, particularly for collaborative applications.

Cybersecurity Integration
Safety plans must now incorporate cybersecurity measures to protect against digital threats that could compromise robot safety systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between this standard and previous versions?
ANSI/A3 R15.06-2025 replaces the 2012 version and incorporates international standards while adding new content for modern applications.

When does compliance with the new standard become mandatory?
While immediate adoption is recommended, specific compliance timelines may vary based on local regulations and customer requirements.

How does this affect existing robotic installations?
Existing systems should be evaluated against the new standard during modification or risk assessment updates, though retroactive compliance may not be required.

What industries are most affected by these changes?
All industries using industrial robotics will benefit, particularly those implementing collaborative robots or requiring cybersecurity integration.

Are training resources available for the new standard?
A3 offers educational events including the International Robot Safety Conference in November 2025 to support implementation.

Looking Forward: Safety in Intelligent Automation

The publication of ANSI/A3 R15.06-2025 establishes a foundation for safe automation advancement. As robotics continue evolving toward greater intelligence and autonomy, these updated standards provide the framework for responsible innovation. The integration of cybersecurity and collaborative applications positions the industry for safer human-robot interaction in increasingly sophisticated manufacturing environments.

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

A3 represents over 1,400 organizations worldwide promoting automation technologies. The association hosts leading industry events including the International Robot Safety Conference and Automate showcase, supporting industry education and advancement.