First regulatory guidance for collaborative robotics in the workplace

Along with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the organisations are working together with government and industry to support the safe and responsible adoption of robotics in the workplace, providing businesses with clarity on regulatory requirements and support to increase their use.

At present, the UK ranks 24th globally for industrial robot density - half the EU average - despite ranking first for academic robotics research. A key barrier to adoption is uncertainty around compliance, particularly that surrounding collaborative robots (cobots), with industry estimating that between 15-20% of customer enquiries on automation stall due to safety uncertainly alone.

The guidance assimilated by this project aims to address that uncertainty thereby removing the barrier.

The project launched at London Tech Week this week and will produce the first ever HSE-supported guidance on advanced robotics applications. As the UK's leasing industry association, Automate UK estimates that the adoption of collaborative robots will increase by 25% by the end of 2027.

The first stage of the project, launching this summer, will deliver regulatory clarity for collaborative applications and aims to give the industry confidence in how it can ensure robots can work safely alongside humans.

A second stage will focus on cutting-edge use cases, where artificial intelligence embedded in robotic systems is raising new safety questions. To kickstart work on stage 2, this summer RIO is convening stakeholders to explore how tools like synthetic testing can help regulators and industry to support safe adoption of robots.

Andrew Curran CBE, Director of Science and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Health and Safety Executive, said: "We recognise how guidance and advice can give employers the confidence to innovate safely and provide a platform for new technology to improve productivity and enable growth.

"We understand that despite there being no barrier to adoption in health and safety law there is a fear of non-compliance, which is limiting adoption. Therefore, we are committed to working with the Regulatory Innovation Office and industry partners to deliver the first joint HSE and industry guidance on the use of cobots to address this barrier and improve business confidence."

Oliver Selby, Chair of BARA (British Automation and Robotics Association), part of Automate UK, said: "Automate UK and BARA welcome the focus by the Regulatory Innovation Office on reducing barriers to robotics adoption. Based on feedback from our membership, the current regulatory framework is sufficient and adequate for enabling the safe deployment of robots used in a collaborative application.

"However, there remains a significant gap in understanding and confidence among end-user stakeholders. Greater education and practical guidance are needed to help businesses fully embrace robots working safely alongside people.

"While relevant information is already contained within existing standards, as well as the current Machinery Directive and forthcoming Machinery Regulation, awareness of these resources is limited."