Products Liability Law Daily Wrap Up, INDUSTRY NEWS—ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS—UL issues ‘outline of investigation’ to help advance robot operational safety, (Sep 14, 2020)

By WK Editorial Staff

The consumer and commercial robot certification document addresses human-robot interaction safety concerns.

UL has issued UL 3300, the Outline of Investigation (OOI) for Service, Communication, Information, Education and Entertainment (SCIEE) Robots, the company announced in an August 31 press release. The document describes the requirements used to evaluate robot operational safety, focusing on multidirectional mobility, fire and shock hazards, external manipulation, user classes, and use surroundings. Because SCIEE (pronounced sky) robots typically operate near humans, the outline places a priority on the safe operation of robots in a variety of environments where people are present.

"Robot technology and applications are quickly expanding from the industrial and manufacturing segment to public and commercial spaces as well as within homes to assist and improve quality of life for people," said Michael Sakamoto, senior manager of UL’s Consumer Technology division. "As this trend accelerates, additional safety concerns, including those associated with robot and human interactions, need to be identified and addressed."

According to the press release, rapid technological advancements are giving rise to a new generation of robots that have the ability to perform diverse tasks in open spaces and work with and alongside people. While already a mainstay within industrial and manufacturing sectors, next-generation robots are being utilized in nontraditional settings, such as grocery stores, hotels, airports, banks, shopping malls and public spaces, including sidewalks and parks. In addition, they are increasingly showing up in homes. With an increasing number of people living alone, service robots can be a welcome addition to the household. According to a presentation at World Robotics 2019 delivered by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the domestic and professional service robot sector is predicted to grow more than 40 percent (CAGR) over the next three years. While it’s already a $17.2-billion industry, according to IFR, COVID-19 has pushed aggressive development of solutions to address the pandemic.

UL’s press release also noted that robots are being utilized to improve efficiency and productivity. With the latest robotic technology innovations, they also are being utilized to boost customer service, grow an operation’s flexibility, and enhance brand value. With growing interest of robots in all areas of an organization, from brand and marketing and customer experience leadership to business strategists and IT heads, the safe deployment and operation of robots, especially in the public domain, has become a key concern for businesses globally, the company said.

AllNews: IndustryNews ElectronicProductsNews HouseholdProductsNews