43 www.drivesncontrols.com July/August 2026 ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING n ISO/TS 15066 technical specification. The new standard effectively incorporates these principles into the core robot safety standard, creating a more unified approach to human-robot collaboration. This means that organisations can no longer assume that simply purchasing a collaborative robot automatically delivers a safe collaborative application. The focus shifts firmly towards validating the safety of the entire application, including tooling, workpieces, operator interaction and operating procedures. What does it mean for industry? For robot manufacturers, the revised standard demands enhanced safety functionality, clearer documentation and greater support for system-level risk reduction. For systems integrators, the impact is even more significant. Integrators will need to demonstrate more rigorous risk assessments, safety validation processes and documented evidence of compliance throughout the project lifecycle. The days of relying solely on standard guarding solutions are rapidly disappearing. End-users, meanwhile, will benefit from safer, more flexible automation systems. However, they will also need to take a more active role in maintaining compliance. Any modifications to robot applications, production processes or operating procedures may require updated risk assessments and safety validation. For UK manufacturers planning new automation projects, the key message is clear: safety must be considered from the earliest design stages rather than added later as an afterthought. As one of the world's leading robotics suppliers, Kuka has been preparing for these changes through both software and engineering innovations. At the centre of this strategy is iiQKA.OS2, Kuka's new common operating system designed to run across the company's entire robot portfolio. The platform combines proven control technology with a modern Web-based user interface, modular safety architecture and advanced digital engineering capabilities. The system is ready for the requirements of ISO 10218:2025 while also addressing growing cybersecurity expectations for connected manufacturing environments. Complementing the operating system is Kuka's iiQWorks engineering suite that supports planning, simulation, offline programming and deployment. Working together, they enable the creation of a complete digital twin of a robotic system before physical installation takes place. This allows manufacturers and integrators to validate processes, optimise cell layouts and identify potential safety issues much earlier in the project lifecycle. The ability to commission and validate robotic systems virtually is likely to become increasingly valuable as safety requirements become more detailed and evidence-based under the new standard. Looking ahead ISO 10218-2:2025 reflects the reality of modern manufacturing. Robots are no longer isolated machines working behind fences; they are increasingly connected, collaborative and integrated into wider production systems. The revised standard acknowledges this transformation by placing greater emphasis on holistic risk assessment, functional safety and lifecycle management. While compliance may require additional effort from suppliers, integrators and end-users, the result should be safer, more productive and more adaptable automation systems. For manufacturers considering future automation investments, now is the time to understand the implications of the new standard and ensure that both technology partners and internal teams are prepared for the next generation of robot safety. n Kuka’s iiQWorks suite eliminates barriers between the production steps, making robots easier to program and use
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