Samsung’s safety software for mobile robots certified globally

[Courtesy of Samsung Electronics Co.]

Samsung Electronics Co., preparing to venture into the robotics industry, has developed a safety software designed to enhance the reliability of mobile robots and received certification.

This move is seen as an initial acquisition of critical foundational technologies to ensure the stability of its future robotics business.

Samsung Electronics announced on Wednesday that its Safety Software for Mobile Robots has simultaneously received international certifications IEC 61508 and ISO 13849 from the global certification body DNV.

The self-developed safety software aims to minimize risks associated with mobile robot failures or malfunctions.

IEC 61508, set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ensures safety throughout the design, development, verification, and maintenance processes.

ISO 13849, defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), evaluates the reliability of safety systems.

Samsung Electronics is the first Korean company to achieve both IEC 61508 and ISO 13849 certifications simultaneously.

The safety software developed by Samsung Electronics offers ten safety control functions, including emergency and protective stops, collision detection, and maximum speed limitations.

It allows integrated management of robot control and safety functions without the need for separate hardware controllers, enhancing the robots’ diagnostic and avoidance capabilities.

Samsung Electronics anticipates that applying this software to various mobile robots in manufacturing, service, and home environments will significantly improve product development efficiency and driving safety.

Earlier, Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee announced plans to invest 240 trillion won ($174 billion) in robotics and artificial intelligence.

The company’s robotics business task force has been elevated to a robotics business team, and multiple departments are currently preparing robotics projects.