ISO 18487-1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18487-1:2017 — Robots and robotic devices — Service robots — Part 1: General principles, definitions and common requirements. This part of ISO 18487 establishes a common vocabulary, classification and high-level requirements relevant to service robots operating in non-industrial environments, and provides guidance on safety, human–robot interaction, documentation and related processes.

Abstract

This standard defines terms, system boundaries and general requirements for service robots — autonomous or semi-autonomous robotic systems intended to assist people and perform tasks outside industrial manufacturing contexts. Part 1 describes concepts and baseline requirements that apply across different application domains (household, healthcare, public spaces, logistics, hospitality, etc.), including risk assessment, functional safety considerations, user interfaces, maintenance and documentation obligations for manufacturers and integrators.

General information

• Status: Published international standard (ISO)
• Publication date: 2017
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: ICS 25 (mechanical engineering and machinery) — robotics/service robots; also relevant to information technology and healthcare application sectors
• Edition / version: 1st edition (2017)
• Number of pages: Approximately 30–40 pages (typical for ISO technical parts; exact page count may vary by publisher format)

Scope

ISO 18487-1:2017 applies to service robots and robotic devices intended to operate in non-industrial environments and interact with or provide services to humans. The scope covers terminology and classification, general functional and safety requirements, guidance on risk assessment and mitigation, human–robot interfaces, documentation (user and maintenance manuals), and life‑cycle considerations. It does not replace application‑specific safety standards but provides a framework to be used together with domain and product specific standards (for example medical, domestic, transport or security applications).

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized vocabulary and definitions for service robots, subsystems and modes of operation.
• Classification scheme for service robots by environment, mobility, autonomy level and intended use.
• General safety principles and requirement to perform systematic risk assessment in accordance with ISO risk management practices.
• Requirements for human‑robot interaction design including user interfaces, warnings, and ergonomics to support safe operation by non‑expert users.
• Guidance on operational modes, supervised/autonomous behaviours and safe state transitions.
• Requirements for documentation: user instructions, maintenance manuals, installation and commissioning procedures, and service information.
• Maintenance, inspection and update processes over the robot life cycle, including software update and cybersecurity considerations at a general level.
• Requirements for marking, identification and traceability of robotic products and key components.

Typical use and users

This standard is intended for use by manufacturers and designers of service robots, system integrators, test laboratories, procurement authorities, regulatory bodies and standards developers. It is also useful for facility managers, safety assessors and R&D teams developing robotic products for household, healthcare, hospitality, retail, logistics and public service environments.

Related standards

ISO 18487-1 is intended to work alongside and reference other standards, for example ISO 8373 (robotics — vocabulary), ISO 12100 (safety of machinery — general principles for design — risk assessment and risk reduction), ISO 13482 (safety requirements for personal care robots), ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative robots), and relevant industry‑specific standards (medical device standards, consumer product safety standards, and information security standards). National regulations and product‑specific standards should be considered in conjunction with this standard.

Keywords

service robot, robotic device, human‑robot interaction, safety, risk assessment, autonomy, system classification, documentation, maintenance, lifecycle, HRI, usability

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18487-1:2017 is an international standard that provides general principles, definitions and common requirements for service robots operating in non-industrial environments. It establishes a baseline vocabulary, classification and safety-related guidance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers terminology, classification of service robots, high-level safety and operational requirements, human–robot interaction guidance, documentation and life‑cycle considerations. It is not a detailed application-specific safety standard but serves as a framework to be used with domain-specific standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, designers, systems integrators, test labs, certification bodies, procurers, safety assessors and standards developers working on service robotic systems and products for consumer, healthcare, commercial and public environments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 18487-1 was published in 2017. Users should check with the national or international standards organization for the most recent status or any subsequent amendments, technical corrigenda or successor parts.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 18487 is a multipart work addressing service robots; Part 1 provides general principles and common requirements. Other parts may address specific application domains, interfaces or test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Service robot, robotics, human‑robot interaction, safety, risk assessment, autonomy, classification, documentation, maintenance.