Despite the continuous increase in industrial robots in Germany, the number of occupational accidents involving industrial robots recorded by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) remains at a low level. In 2023, for example, 89 reportable* occupational accidents occurred on industrial robots nationwide compared to 23,899 occupational accidents on stationary machines (source: DGUV).
In addition, the stock of industrial robots in Germany continues to increase. According to the International Federation of Robotics ifr.org, the number of industrial robots in Germany increased from 176,000 to 269,000 between 2014 and 2023. At the same time, however, employees are released from heavy or hazardous work. Another benefit of using robots is the removal of humans from the direct process hazards. From the point of view of occupational safety, an interest in the use of robots should therefore also be justified.
This positive situation is not least the result of a high level of safety of industrial robot systems. Because with the beginning of automation in the companies, the safety technology was already at a high level. Light curtains, safety mats and safety-related controls were already available in high quality.
In addition, the definition of a globally uniform safety standard for industrial robots began as early as the 1980s with the publication of the ISO 10218 (a predecessor of this standard was the German VDI guideline 2853). This development has been consistently continued. Today’s harmonized standards EN ISO 10218-1 and EN ISO 10218-2 are even listed in the Official Journal of the EU . This means that robotics experts can draw on a comprehensive set of standards.
However, the positive situation should not be a reason to rest. Because every accident is one too many. Since robot accidents often occur during trouble shooting, it is precisely here that robot plant safety must be further improved.
* Work loss of more than 3 days
Note: This article is a translation of German websites
