ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999, Robot Safety Standards

By RobotWorx

Robot safety standards are created to help protect workers from injury while operating a robotic system.  The American National Standard for Industrial Robots & Robot Systems (ANSI) and the Robotic Industries Association (RIA) regulate these safety standards.  In 1999, a new regulation was created due to the complexity of robot systems and increase dangers if not used properly. 

ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999 covers specific requirements on the design of industrial robots.  It includes maximum speeds while in teach mode, barriers or curtains that must be used, required safety controllers and singularity awareness.  Singularity is a state in which the robot has multiple axes lined up and the direction of movement is not predictable. 

Industrial robots are sometimes large, heavy, robust, and can maneuver quickly.  Complying with standards such as, ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999, help prevent injuries caused by moving robots.  Barriers help keep bystanders and operators out of designated areas.  Slowing particular maneuvers to a designated speed make it easier to predict the direction in which the robot will move next. 

An interesting point about these standards is that robots produced before the standard was created do not have to comply with the new standard.  So, if a robot was created in 1998, it would only have to comply with the last robotic safety standard from 1992 that was replaced by ANSI/RIA R15.06 in 1999.

RobotWorx buys and sell used industrial robots.  RobotWorx also makes sure that the robots it sells comply with the appropriate safety standards, like ANSI/RIA R15.06, before integrating the robot.  If you are interested in learning more about safety standards or how to buy or sell a used industrial robot, feel free to contact RobotWorx or call us at 740-251-4327.

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