Background
Since robots were first used in industry in the 1960s, the robot industry has kept its focus and developed only fundamental standards, about ten in all. General standards were used as much as possible, with some areas strategically left open for competition.

It was with the increasing number of robot applications that it became obvious that specific standardization was needed for both manufacturers and users. Consequently, ISO technical committee ISO/TC 184, Industrial automation systems and integration, subcommittee SC 2, Robots and robotic devices, was created in 1983. Today, the subcommittee continues to have a broad representation not only of manufacturers but also of users.

Some of the most important standards are in the fields of safety, performance criteria and interfaces for mechanics and software. A good example of a global approach is the ongoing revision of the safety standard for robots.

So far the committee has developed: