Robotics / Humanoids · Hazloc Labs

Humanoid Robots: Safety & Compliance Stack for Product Teams

Humanoid platforms look like science projects until a customer asks for a Declaration of Conformity, a battery shipping letter, or proof the force-limited arms will not crush a bystander. Treat them as multi-regime products from day one.

Regimes that usually attach

Regime	Why it shows up
Machinery / robot safety	Moving masses, collaborative or public interaction
Functional safety	STO, speed/force limiting, redundant sensing
Electrical product safety	Mains chargers, internal PSUs, insulation
Battery	Pack safety listing + transport + EU Battery Regulation duties
EMC + radio	Wi-Fi/5G/telemetry; emissions in public spaces
Cyber	Remote update, cameras, cloud links
Privacy	Cameras/mics in workplaces or public areas

Design decisions that change the whole file

• Intended use — factory AMR-like duty vs public demo vs domestic assistive claims
• Collaborative vs fenced — force/power limiting evidence vs traditional guarding
• Autonomy level — teleop vs onboard planning changes validation
• Payload & end-effectors — each tool can reopen the risk assessment

Practical sequencing

1. Write an intended-use statement customers will actually buy — marketing language becomes the risk file.
2. Build a hazard list for crushing, impact, tip-over, trapped hands, battery thermal events, and loss of control.
3. Separate safety functions (must work) from features (nice demos).
4. Freeze radio modules and antennas before EMC/RF campaigns.
5. Plan field trial controls: geo-fence, speed caps, supervisor roles, incident logging.

Pitfalls

• Assuming industrial robot ISO 10218 certificates cover a bipedal public demo.
• Shipping Li-ion packs without UN38.3 + host packing instructions.
• Calling it “inherently safe” without measured force/pressure data.

FAQ

Is there one “humanoid standard”?

Not a single global mark. You assemble machinery, electrical, battery, EMC/RF, and sometimes medical/assistive rules depending on claims. Scope by intended use.

Do we need ATEX?

Only if used in explosive atmospheres. Most warehouse/demo use cases do not — but paint lines, hydrogen areas, and grain facilities might.

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