Overview
ISO 22166-201:2024 - "Robotics - Modularity for service robots - Part 201: Common information model for modules" defines a Common Information Model (CIM) for modules used in service robots. The standard specifies the structure, required attributes and subclasses, and intended meanings to promote interoperability, reusability, and composability of hardware, software and hybrid modules. It applies to service robots and supports module design, selection, integration, operation and maintenance.
Key technical topics and requirements
- CIM structure and classes: The standard defines a meta-model composed of submodels including:
- Module ID (unique identifier for modules and composite modules)
- Properties (initialization and environmental constraints)
- Input and Output Variables (I/O interfaces)
- Status (runtime state and health)
- Services (capabilities) (exposed functions and APIs)
- Infrastructure (networking/communication context)
- Safety and Security (safety integrity, performance levels, protections)
- Modelling (behavioral and design metadata)
- Executable Form (packaging and runtime form of software/firmware)
- Mandatory vs optional items: Table 4.1 and related text identify which CIM items are mandatory for all module types and which are optional, depending on hardware/software characteristics.
- Naming and identifiers: Annex A provides naming rules; Annex B prescribes assignment rules for Module ID to guarantee unique identification (aligned with UUID practices referenced in RFC 4122).
- Representation and usage: Annex C shows representation examples (XML used illustratively); Annex D explains how CIM information is applied during design, integration, operation and maintenance. Annex E gives a class representation format.
- Normative references: ISO 22166-1:2021 (modularity principles), IETF RFC 4122 (UUID), and POSIX (IEEE 1003.1).
Practical applications and users
Who benefits:
- Module makers designing hardware, software or hybrid modules
- Robot integrators and system integrators assembling composite systems
- Robot manufacturers and developers who need consistent module descriptions
- Maintenance and operations teams using standardized status, safety and executable metadata
Practical uses:
- Standardized module catalogs for easier module selection and procurement
- Plug-and-play integration of modules across vendors to accelerate development
- Clear metadata for lifecycle management, diagnostics and software deployment
- Consistent safety/security descriptors to support compliance and risk assessment
Related standards
- ISO 22166-1:2021 - Modularity general requirements and nine modularity principles
- ISO 22166-202 (implementation model planned) - example implementation for software modules
- IETF RFC 4122 - UUID usage for unique Module IDs
- IEEE/Open Group 1003.1-2017 (POSIX) - referenced for runtime/executable considerations
ISO 22166-201:2024 provides a practical, vendor-neutral foundation for building modular, interoperable service-robot ecosystems through a shared common information model.