Robotics / Cobots · Hazloc Labs

Cobots & ISO/TS 15066: Collaborative Operation Without Wishful Thinking

A “cobot” arm does not automatically make a cell collaborative. Collaborative operation is a validated mode of work with defined contacts, speeds, and safeguarding — documented by the integrator for the final application.

Standards map (typical)

Document	Role
ISO 10218-1 / -2	Robot and robot system safety requirements
ISO/TS 15066	Collaborative application guidance (biomechanical limits, methods)
ISO 13849 / IEC 62061	Safety-related control parts (PLd/SIL as required)
EU Machinery rules	CE / DoC for the completed machine or cell

Four collaborative methods (do not mix casually)

• Safety-rated monitored stop
• Hand guiding
• Speed and separation monitoring
• Power and force limiting (PFL)

Most brochure claims lean on PFL. PFL still needs application-specific risk assessment: contact geometry, body regions, pressure/force thresholds, and residual risk communication.

Integrator checklist

1. Define tasks, operators, and foreseeable misuse (reaching for dropped parts, bypassing).
2. Select collaborative method(s) per task — not one mode for the whole shift if tasks differ.
3. Validate force/pressure or separation distances with measurements, not vendor PDFs alone.
4. Verify safety functions (STO, speed limiting) including fault injection where required.
5. Issue the right declaration (machinery vs partly completed) and train operators.

Pitfalls

• OEM robot CE taken as cell CE.
• Sharp end-effectors that invalidate soft-contact assumptions.
• Disabling collaborative limits “just for cycle time” without MOC.

FAQ

Does TS 15066 certify my cobot?

No. It guides collaborative applications. Your application validation and system CE/listing remain your responsibility.

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