According to the present standards DIN EN ISO 10218-1:2012 and DIN EN ISO 10218-2:2012, three safety-related operating modes exist for industrial robots. Automatic, Manual at reduced speed (T1) and Manual at high speed (T2). Until now, the T2 mode provides access to the working zone even at higher speeds of the robot than just 250mm/s.
By the T2 mode, it was possible for programmers and maintenance personnel to select a higher speed than the reduced speed of 250 mm/s while in the working zone, for example during program test. This is particularly important if, for example, processes have to be watched up close. In order to enable the robot moving at a higher speed than the reduced speed, the person in the working zone has to push permanently a safety enabling switch. Releasing or pressing down the enabling switch leads to an immediate stop.
However, the above-mentioned standards have been revised. According to the new standards, the T2 mode will only be applicable from outside the safeguards in the future. As a result, the T2 mode has largely lost its benefit. Within the working zone, only the T1 mode with reduced speed is possible. The changes apply to new installations that are placed on the market for the first time under the new standards.
At international level, the standards ISO 10218-1:2025 and ISO 10218-2:2025 have beem published. The finalization at EN and DIN level is expected mid 2025. Until then, the currently valid standards will continue to apply. In addition, a transition period of one to two years is expected. During this time, both the old and the new standards can be applied.
The EN ISO 10218-1 and EN ISO 10218-2 standards will again appear as harmonized standards under the Machinery Directive. The start of the presumption of conformity and the transitional periods can then be found in the Official Journal of the EU as usual.
Since the application of harmonized EN standards is not mandatory, the safeguarding measures of the machinery may also deviate from the standards on the basis of a risk assessment. However, it should be thought about that the harmonized standards are highly valued due to the presumption of conformity. By the way, existing plants in Germany are not affected by the above-mentioned changes. The extent to which systems already in operation are retrofitted is the responsibility of the user’s risk assessment.
Note: This article is a translation of German websites
