Updated ISO 10218: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published the highly anticipated revised ISO 10218 earlier this month. After almost eight years of work by subject matter experts from more than 20 countries, this global flagship standard for industrial robot safety has been significantly updated to ensure the safety of robotics in industrial environments. 

“These updates bring much-needed clarity and structure, making it easier for companies to integrate robotics with confidence,” said Roberta Nelson Shea, global technical compliance officer at Universal Robots and convenor of ISO TC 299 Working Group 3. “Our goal has always been to ensure that innovation and safety go hand in hand. These newly revised standards deliver on that promise."

To better understand this standard and the key changes from the 2011 version, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). 

FAQs

1. What is ISO 10218?

ISO 10218 is the foundational safety standard for industrial robots, providing essential guidance to ensure worker safety. The latest edition underscores ISO’s commitment to advancing automation safety and adapting to new technological landscapes.

The revised ISO 10218 contains two parts, officially named: 

ISO 10218-1:2025 Robotics — Safety requirements — Part 1: Industrial robots (Manufacturers) and ISO 10218-2:2025, Robotics — Safety requirements — Part 2: Industrial robot applications and robot cells (System Integrators). 

They can be referred to as ISO 10218-1: 2025 and ISO 10218-2:2025. These documents are revisions, replacing the 2011 versions of Parts 1 and 2. 

ISO standards are developed via a consensus process using global subject matter experts and stakeholders. Work is completed under the guidance of the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 10218-1:2025 and ISO 10218-2:2025 are companion documents that address safety requirements for industrial robots (ISO 10218-1) and industrial robot applications and robot cells (ISO 10218-2). 

In essence, ISO 10218-1 provides requirements for manufacturers of industrial robots. ISO 10218-2 provides requirements for integrators of industrial robot applications and robot cells. Other stakeholder groups for both ISO 10218-1 and ISO 10218-2 include health and safety bodies, users of robot applications and their employers, and service providers. 

2. Who developed these standards?

These standards were developed by ISO Technical Committee 299 Working Group 3 for industrial robot safety in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 310, advanced automation technologies and their applications, in accordance with the agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement). 

ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops international standards for trusted goods and services utilizing a global network of experts from its 173 member countries.

A3 held an important role in the revision of 10218, with A3 Standards staff acting as secretary for Working Group 3 and hosting annual in-person meetings of the international experts during which the standard was drafted. In addition, most of the U.S. experts on the Working Group are employed by A3 member companies. A3 is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to administer ANSI’s membership in ISO Technical Committee 299 for Robotics.

3. Why are the new standards important for the robotics industry?

ISO 10218-1 and 10218-2 are the flagship safety standards for industrial robots. The 2025 revisions of these documents include technical changes and reflect ongoing developments in the marketplace since the 2011 versions were published. These two industrial robot safety standards enjoy wide global adoption — something that is not often seen for other machinery or equipment. 

The 2025 versions of ISO 10218-1 and ISO 10218-2 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.

4. What are some of the key changes in ISO 10218-1:2025

ISO 10218-1:2025 has undergone extensive revisions to address the latest safety challenges and technological advances. These changes are meant to enhance compliance and risk mitigation. They include updated requirements for the design of the robot. There are revised mode requirements and the requirements for functional safety are clarified. 

Where appropriate, ISO/TS 15066:2016 on the safety of collaborative robot applications was added to the ISO 10218 series. Safety functions that enable a collaborative task can be part of the robot or can be provided by a protective device, or a combination.

5. What are some of the key changes in ISO 10218-2:2025

ISO 10218-2:2025 has also undergone extensive revision to address the latest safety challenges and technological advances. The main changes include emphasizing “robot application” and not “robot system,” as the robot application includes the workpieces, task program, and the machinery and equipment to support the application and intended tasks. Safety requirements for collaborative applications (formerly, the content of ISO/TS 15066) have also been incorporated. Requirements for functional safety have been clarified and cybersecurity requirements pertaining to industrial robot safety have been added.

6. Which updates will change the way we currently discuss robots?

There are notable updates to key phrasing and terms for the 2025 version. 

• The terms “collaborative robot” and “collaborative operation” will not be found in the revised ISO 10218. “Collaborative application” is used instead, as only the actual use of the robot can be designed, tested, and confirmed as a collaborative application. 
• In the past, “safeguarded space” referred to areas where workers were protected from hazards by physical barriers. In ISO 10218-2:2025, “safeguarded space” still means an area where workers are protected, but now these spaces can change as needed. This flexible approach works well for both collaborative and non-collaborative robot applications, including those with physical barriers.
• “Safety rated-monitored stop” has been renamed “monitored standstill” for technical accuracy. “Monitored standstill” is used for more than collaborative applications.

7. Will this make my company compliant with OSHA standards?

OSHA workplace safety regulations require mandatory compliance for companies within the United States. While no specific robot regulations exist within OSHA, employers must keep their workers safe from hazards in the workplace, and this includes those involving robots. 

Standards like ISO 10218 offer guidance for designing, installing, and operating robots safely, helping employers adhere to OSHA’s laws. Employers must also comply with other safety regulations to keep their workers safe beyond what’s included in ISO 10218. 

8. Why should I buy the updated version?

The automation industry and its related technologies have rapidly advanced since the publishing of the 2011 ISO 10218 standard. This new standard keeps pace with these changes, offering important safety updates and clarity in lockstep with the innovations.  

9. Should I purchase both parts 1 and 2?

It is not necessary to purchase both parts of ISO 10218, depending on one’s role in the automation industry.  Part 1 addresses the requirements for robots and Part 2 addresses the requirements that integrators must address in robot applications and robot cells. While it is not necessary to purchase both parts, more knowledge is always helpful and we feel that most people would benefit from having access to both parts.

10. How do I purchase ISO 10218?

U.S. customers can purchase ISO 10218 through the A3 bookstore with discounts available to A3 members. You may purchase the separate standards for part 1 and part 2 or you may purchase them as a bundle.

Visit the A3 bookstore.