The safety of automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS) is regulated in the AGVS standard 3691-4. This has been continually adapted in the last few years. As the number of AGVS in production and logistics environments continues to rise, the need to further regulate safety for the operation of AGVS also increases. For this purpose, special requirements have also been included in the new Machinery Regulation, which will apply from 2027.
One of the key issues for the safety of autonomous mobile machinery: protection against corruption. Here the new Machinery Regulation requires manufacturers to control access permissions and protect the AGVS from unauthorised access by external parties. This also applies to maintenance and programming work, which is often carried out remotely. These issues must be taken into account when assessing and implementing the safety functions on an AGVS.
In turn, when the AGVS is deployed, the operator must ensure that the safety of the AGVS is also guaranteed in the new environment, i.e. in the existing infrastructure. To do this, a risk assessment of the existing infrastructure must be carried out. Among other things, zones are defined in order to adapt the speed to the space available and the potential for avoidance. If space is tight, the AGVS must travel slowly.
In addition, the safety functions of the AGVS must be tested regularly during operation. The HOW and with WHAT must be specified by the manufacturer and must be planned and implemented by the operator based on the risk assessment.
