Last updated March 2026

In 2008, Universal Robots shipped the world's first commercially viable robot for collaborative applications — a UR5 — to a Danish plastics supplier. For the first time, a robot worked alongside humans on a factory floor without guards or barriers. That moment didn't just launch a product; it launched an entirely new market for automation.

Since then, we have set the standard for collaborative robot safety. Our robots are certified by TÜV Rheinland — a highly respected certification body globally — to comply with ISO 10218-1, the global safety standard for industrial robots. With over 100,000 cobots sold worldwide, we have more real-world human-robot collaboration experience than anyone.

At a Glance

Key Messages

• Gold standard: When you choose a Universal Robot, you are choosing the gold standard. We pioneered this market.
• TÜV Rheinland certification = proof: TÜV Rheinland certification is not a self-declaration — it is third-party verified proof from a highly respected certification body globally.
• Fundamental safety always on: The fundamental collaborative safety of UR robots cannot be disabled. Certain safety functions can be configured, deactivated, or muted within the parameters permitted by the standards.
• Future-ready: Your current UR investment — whether running PolyScope 5 or PolyScope X — is on a clear path to the latest safety standard.
• Cybersecurity for safety: Universal Robots has been investing in cybersecurity well ahead of the standard — IEC 62443-4-1 ML2 certified by TÜV Rheinland.
• Proactive, not reactive: Universal Robots targets TÜV Rheinland certification to ISO 10218-1:2025 by January 2027 — aligned with the EU Machinery Regulation.

Contents

1. We Pioneered Safe Collaboration
2. Current Certification: ISO 10218-1:2011
3. Safety Architecture
4. What's Changing: ISO 10218-1:2025
5. Practical Impact: What ISO 10218-1:2025 Means for You
6. Product Safety Compatibility
7. Certification Roadmap
8. FAQ, Glossary & Sources

1. We Pioneered Safe Collaboration

Universal Robots didn't just enter the collaborative robot market — we created it. Safety is not an afterthought; it is the foundation upon which every product we build is designed.

Three Pillars of UR Safety

The Bottom Line
When you choose a Universal Robot, you are choosing the gold standard. We pioneered this market, we hold rigorous third-party certifications, and we have more real-world human-robot collaboration experience than anyone. Safety isn't just a feature — it is our DNA.

2. Current Certification: ISO 10218-1:2011

Think of it as...
ISO 10218-1 is the global "rulebook" for robot safety. It sets the safety requirements that a robot must meet at the design stage. The robot manufacturer designs and builds to these requirements, and a third-party certification body like TÜV Rheinland verifies compliance through testing and assessment. The system integrator then ensures the complete robot application meets its own safety requirements under ISO 10218-2.

All current Universal Robots — both e-Series and UR Series — are certified to ISO 10218-1:2011 (Edition 2) by TÜV Rheinland. This certification covers both PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X software platforms. Safety functions are additionally certified to ISO 13849-1:2015 (functional safety of control systems).

3. Safety Architecture

Dual-Channel Safety Architecture

Every UR robot features a PLd Category 3 safety architecture — a very high level of safety performance. Category 3 means dual-channel architecture where a single fault cannot lead to loss of the safety function. The fundamental collaborative safety cannot be disabled. Certain safety functions can be configured, deactivated, or muted within the parameters permitted by the standards, and all are evaluated and certified by TÜV Rheinland. Note: under ISO 10218-1:2025, individual safety functions will be assigned performance levels ranging from PLb to PLd per function.

Comprehensive Safety Functions

UR robots provide a comprehensive set of safety functions — covering emergency and safeguard stops, joint position and speed limits, TCP and elbow speed/force limits, safety planes, momentum and power limits, stopping time and distance limits, safe home position, tool orientation limits, and configurable safety-rated I/Os. Payload mass and center-of-gravity are safety parameters used as boundaries within safety functions. All safety functions have been evaluated and certified to PLd Category 3 by TÜV Rheinland. Key safety functions support Normal and Reduced parameter sets for flexible deployment. For the complete and up-to-date safety function specification, refer to the official UR product manuals.

Normal & Reduced Parameter Sets

Key safety functions support two configurable parameter sets — Normal and Reduced — selectable via the Reduced mode safety input. Combined with external safety devices (laser scanners, light curtains, safety PLCs), this enables both human-proximity and guarded applications from a single platform. Example: Normal mode limits for full-speed operation with guarding; Reduced mode limits for close-proximity human-robot interaction.

Techniques Enabling Collaborative Applications

CERTIFIED COLLABORATIVE TECHNIQUES (ISO 10218‑1)
UR robots are certified for Monitored Standstill (clause 5.10.2) – robot holds position at standstill with monitoring as a safety function; and Power and Force Limiting (PFL) (clause 5.10.5) – certified force torque limits are enforced, exceeding any parameter triggers a protective stop. Combined with external safeguards, they also support Speed and Separation Monitoring (SSM) (clause 5.10.4) applications. The application risk assessment determines which technique(s) are appropriate.

Stop Categories (Per IEC 60204-1)

UR robots implement all three stop categories: Cat 0 for critical faults, Cat 1 for emergency stop, and Cat 2 for safeguard/protective stops. When any safety limit is exceeded or a fault is detected, the robot transitions to a safe state.

4. What's Changing: ISO 10218-1:2025

ISO 10218-1:2025 (Edition 3, published February 2025) is the first major revision of the industrial robot safety standard since 2011. Developed over nine years by experts from more than 20 countries — including Universal Robots' own Safety Officer, who is widely recognized in this field — it significantly raises the bar for robot safety. Universal Robots is actively working to meet it.

Think of it as...
If ISO 10218-1:2011 was the foundation, the 2025 edition is the comprehensive renovation. The house is stronger, the safety systems are smarter, and for the first time, the building code also covers digital security. The core principles remain, but the requirements are more explicit, more testable, and more modern.

Key Changes at a Glance

The Major New Requirements Explained

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOU

ISO 10218-1:2025 is expected to be harmonized under the EU Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230), which takes effect January 20, 2027. Compliance with a harmonized standard provides a presumption of conformity with the regulation. Universal Robots is targeting TÜV Rheinland certification to ISO 10218-1:2025 by January 2027 — for both PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X — with software implementation completing by end 2026.

5. Practical Impact: What ISO 10218-1:2025 Means for You

The updated standard has real, tangible consequences for how robots are built, sold, and deployed. Here's what changes in practice.

The 3PE Teach Pendant Becomes Standard

The 3PE Teach Pendant is already available today for e-Series and UR Series robots running PolyScope 5.9.5+ or PolyScope X.

Single Point of Control — From Local/Remote to Direct/External

ISO 10218-1:2025 strengthens requirements for a single, unambiguous point of control — enforced as a safety-rated function (PLa). This replaces the current local/remote paradigm.

New: Hand-Guided Control & Enhanced Manual Modes

6. Product Safety Compatibility

Software Platform Overview

Hardware Platform Compatibility

Hardware Safety Specifications

7. Certification Roadmap

Universal Robots maintains a clear, proactive roadmap to ensure our products meet evolving safety and regulatory requirements — well ahead of enforcement deadlines.

The Regulatory Landscape

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are current UR robots safe to use?

A: Absolutely. All current UR robots (e-Series and UR Series) are TÜV Rheinland certified to ISO 10218-1:2011. All safety functions are PLd Category 3 evaluated and certified. Certain safety functions can be configured, deactivated, or muted within the parameters permitted by the standards. The fundamental collaborative safety cannot be disabled.

Q: Do I need to replace my robot when ISO 10218-1:2025 takes effect?

A: No. Existing robots can continue to operate under their original certification. ISO 10218-1:2025 applies to newly placed-on-market products. Existing installations certified under ISO 10218-1:2011 can upgrade to the new software and take advantage of new safety functions while continuing to use the standard TP — but this does not make them ISO 10218-1:2025 certified.

Q: Will PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X both be certified to ISO 10218-1:2025?

A: Yes. Universal Robots is targeting TÜV Rheinland certification to ISO 10218-1:2025 for both PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X by January 2027, aligned with the EU Machinery Regulation enforcement date.

Q: Why is a 3PE teach pendant now mandatory?

A: ISO 10218-1:2025 requires all robots to integrate a 3PE with their teach pendant. The 3PE is a proven safety mechanism: any reflexive reaction — releasing in surprise or clenching in panic — triggers an immediate safety stop. UR's 3PE Teach Pendant features two switches for ergonomic left- and right-handed use (only one needs to be pressed) and is plug-and-play from PolyScope 5.9.5+. The standard teach pendant is not permitted for use on robots certified to ISO 10218-1:2025.

Q: What does "single point of control" mean for my application?

A: It replaces the current local/remote control paradigm with Direct Control (teach pendant) and External Control (Robot API and controller ports). Only one source can command control actions at a time, enforced as a safety function. Industrial fieldbuses and other communication interfaces remain available alongside — mainly integrators will notice the difference.

Q: Will the standard teach pendant still be available?

A: The standard teach pendant will be phased out by Q1 2027. New robots will ship with the 3PE Teach Pendant only. The standard TP will remain available only as a spare part for installations based on ISO 10218-1:2011 hardware. It is not permitted for use on robots certified to ISO 10218-1:2025.

Q: What happens to the mixed mode of operation?

A: Under ISO 10218-1:2025, the commonly used practice of combining manual and automatic operation without strict separation is no longer permitted. Robots will operate in either Automatic or Manual mode. In Manual mode, the 3PE must be active for motion.

Q: How does UR compare to other cobot manufacturers on safety?

A: Universal Robots pioneered the cobot market in 2008 and holds TÜV Rheinland certification. Every safety function is PLd Category 3 certified. With 100,000+ units sold worldwide and active participation in ISO TC299 WG3, UR sets the benchmark that others follow.

Glossary

Sources

1. ISO 10218-1:2025, "Robotics — Safety requirements — Part 1: Industrial robots," ISO, February 2025.
2. ISO 10218-1:2011, "Robots and robotic devices — Safety requirements — Part 1: Robots," ISO, 2011.
3. EU Regulation 2023/1230 on Machinery, European Parliament and Council, June 2023. Effective January 20, 2027.
4. EU Regulation 2024/2847 (Cyber Resilience Act), European Parliament and Council, 2024. Enforcement December 11, 2027.

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