Synapticon and Reynolds & Moore Partner on Humanoid Robot Safety
The partners aim to support developers every step of the way, from the safety concept through to certification. This approach is based on six norms and standards for functional safety identified by Synapticon.
Synapticon and the consulting firm Reynolds & Moore have entered into a partnership focused on the functional safety of humanoid and mobile robots. The collaboration combines Synapticon’s drive technology and safety platform with Reynolds & Moore’s consulting expertise in risk assessment, safety architecture, validation, and certification.
The focus is on a challenge that arises when humanoid robots are used in close proximity to people. According to the companies, safety concepts from traditional industrial robotics cannot be readily applied here. While a stationary robotic arm can be brought to a halt by cutting off its power supply, a bipedal system requires additional consideration of its stability.
Reynolds & Moore will therefore support developers from risk assessment through the development of the safety architecture to preparation for certification. Synapticon is contributing, among other things, its Somanet servo drives, Actilink actuators for robot joints, and the Positron Safety AI platform.
According to Synapticon, Positron Safety AI includes functions for safe multi-axis movements, the detection of people, and the monitoring of the AI used in the robot. The platform is being developed in accordance with six standards: IEC 61508, ISO 13849, IEC 61800-5-2, ISO/IEC TS 22440, IEC 62998, and IEC 61496.
Through this collaboration, the companies aim to cover the entire development process from prototype to a certifiable robot system. Specifically, Reynolds & Moore will provide consulting on functional safety engineering, while Synapticon will supply the drive and safety technology.
The companies do not mention any specific joint customer projects or humanoid robots already certified on this basis in their announcement. Nor did they provide details regarding investments or the partnership’s financial goals.
