Robots and Cobots
This document provides occupational health and safety guidance regarding industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots) in the workplace. It outlines associated safety standards, potential physical and psychosocial hazards, risk assessment considerations, and a hierarchy of control measures. The resource is published by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) to help workplaces ensure safe human-robot interactions.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Employers, safety professionals, and workers looking for guidance on assessing and controlling safety risks associated with introducing robots and cobots into the workplace.
What the document contains
The document covers workplace safety considerations for industrial robots and collaborative robots, detailing potential physical and psychosocial hazards, relevant international and national safety standards, risk assessment methods, and control measures following the hierarchy of controls.
The document does not provide software-level AI definitions, algorithmic bias frameworks, or legal enforcement mechanisms outside of general occupational health and safety compliance references.
- Robots and cobots present various hazards including impact, crushing, electrical, hydraulic, and psychosocial concerns.
- Safety standards such as CAN/CSA-Z434 and ISO/TS 15066 guide the safe manufacture and implementation of robotic systems.
- Collaborative robots require specific safety features such as speed and separation monitoring, hand-guided controls, and power/force limiting.
- Workplaces should conduct task-based risk assessments involving workers and experts when integrating robots.
- Control measures must follow the hierarchy of controls, utilizing safeguarding devices, maintenance programs, and proper training.
· What are robots and cobots? · Are there safety standards for robots and cobots? · What hazards and concerns are associated with robots and cobots? · What should be considered when assessing the hazards and risks of robots and cobots? · What are some possible control measures for robots and cobots?
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
3/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
Individuals who are responsible for integrating and programming the robot should have thorough training and knowledge of what needs to be programmed, how to interface with the robotic system, and the control functions of the robot
What should be considered when assessing the hazards and risks of robots and cobots?
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
When this interaction must happen, the industrial robot should be on manual mode where its movements are completely controlled by the worker inside the safeguarded space through an enabling device
Safeguarding devices
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Build trust by being clear about why the organization is bringing in cobots and provide everyone with a chance for input.
Additional risk reduction considerations for collaborative robots
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
1/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Some jurisdictions have also included requirements for robots in their health and safety legislation.
Are there safety standards for robots and cobots?
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
To ensure the safety of everyone involved, hazard identification and risk assessments should be performed for each stage of the process, including integrating, operating, and maintaining the robot.
What should be considered when assessing the hazards and risks of robots and cobots?
screening score · 2026-10-23