In the innovation competition 'Advanced Industrial Robotic Applications Challenge' (AIRA Challenge for short), the participating teams demonstrated the possibilities that mobile autonomous inspection robots open up for the chemical industry. The question now is how to translate this potential into an operational application. The robot manufacturers and their integrators have realized that requirements for modularity, explosion protection and machine safety are not 'nice to have' features, but essential for use.

A comprehensive normative situation or specific guidelines from which requirements can be derived are not yet available. The actual requirements in individual plants are also very different in relation to the actual application of the robot: for example, it makes a considerable difference whether the robot operates in a separate work area on its own or in coexistence with employees. If there are also special, work area and system-specific requirements, the degree of complexity is many times higher.

The NAMUR position paper

In order to give manufacturers and integrators a rough overview of the basic requirements, a specialist position paper was developed and published within NAMUR. It describes the challenges and requirements that need to be considered when integrating autonomous inspection robots - safety standards, robustness against environmental influences, modularity for the simple replacement of sensors, intuitive control, data security and data protection, reliable connectivity and cybersecurity. The service life of the robots and their repair options are also covered. The legal framework and compliance with the applicable regulations are crucial here.

Tunnel bridge according to Martin Schwibach, NAMUR: Joint approach and use of synergy effects across company boundaries for a rapid productivity phase.

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EC/EU conformity is always a mandatory requirement for productive use. Robots fall within the scope of the Machinery Directive (MD). An operational system requires a complete machine. Only after the robot has been integrated into a complete robot application - i.e. equipped with protective measures, sensors or manipulators (hardware) and software for an inspection task - is the system operational and becomes a complete machine for which conformity must be declared in accordance with the Machinery Directive. Ideally, robots are delivered as partly completed machinery, together with a declaration of incorporation describing the path to an EC-compliant application. The integration process begins with a risk analysis in accordance with DIN EN ISO 12100 from the manufacturer's point of view. It must be taken into account that a protective measure must be both proportionate and effective. The basic principle is that no more critical situations may arise as a result of measures, whereby technical measures must be given priority over organizational measures.

The equipment of the protective devices can vary greatly depending on the application. However, the basic requirement from the MRL for an emergency stop must be fulfilled. Depending on the choice of robot system, in the case of walking robots, for example, this can lead to the question of what happens if the emergency stop is activated on a staircase and an even more dangerous situation arises if the robot falls.

This example shows the complexity of integrating this technology. Open and standardized robot interfaces are necessary for the implementation of safety measures in order to achieve a complete robot application.
As this problem is a cross-company issue, activities are taking place within NAMUR to formulate proposals on the above-mentioned topics. In this way, synergy effects can be exploited by pooling requirements and expertise for the benefit of all companies. Companies from the user side as well as integrators and manufacturers of robots and safety technology are represented.

Robotics working group

Within NAMUR, members have formed the working group AK4.23
'Robotics' working group. This working group has set itself the goal of discussing concept developments and formulating requirements for inspection robotics as part of an exchange of experience, as well as participating in standardization issues. Topics include inspection robotics, such as walking robots, driving robots and drones. The topics will include

• Implementation concepts for the safe operation of innovative robot technologies
• General description of requirements for a mobile robot system
• Requirements for a safe robot application
• Criteria for use in hazardous areas
• Considerations regarding IT/OT security and data protection
• Consolidation of requirements
• Observation of developments on the market

Successful integration also depends heavily on the approach taken by the company in question. Acceptance and willingness to engage with robot technology are the basic prerequisites for the success of robot integration. In terms of expectation management, it is advisable to involve all those who will have a significant influence on the success of the project at the outset and to consider and discuss opinions.