Functional Safety Certification for Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): IEC 62046 Explained

Date: 2027-01-08
Location: Online
Host: Zach L

About this event

An Exam-Prep Bootcamp for Cross-Functional Product Teams pursuing functional safety certification. A live 30-minute exam-prep bootcamp on IEC 62046 (Protective Equipment Application) for automated storage and retrieval systems (as/rs), built for cross-functional product teams pursuing functional safety certification. What We'll Cover: What IEC 62046 (Protective Equipment Application) requires and how its scope applies to automated storage and retrieval systems (as/rs) Mapping IEC 62046 clauses to the certification evidence assessors expect System-specific hazards and safety functions typical of automated storage and retrieval systems (as/rs) Common findings that delay certification, and how to avoid them A practical readiness roadmap for cross-functional product teams preparing for assessm

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About IEC 62046 (Protective Equipment Application)

This event covers the compliance, engineering, and verification requirements defined by IEC 62046.

IEC TS 62046 addresses the application of protective equipment detecting persons — bringing together ESPE, pressure-sensitive devices and vision systems into engineered safeguarding solutions: selection, positioning, integration, muting and validation.

What it regulates

Selection criteria among detection technologies, combined use with guards, muting design (sequence, sensors, time limits), presence sensing on whole-body access, and verification of complete safeguarding functions.

Who must comply

System integrators of palletizers, press lines, robot cells and conveyors where material must pass but people must not.

Key concepts: IEC 62046

Differentiation

Sensor arrangements distinguishing pallets/products from people (timing, geometry, multiple beams).

Muting

Temporary automatic suspension of the protective function to let material pass, engineered so a person cannot exploit it.

Override

Controlled, limited-duration bypass to clear jammed material with enforced safeguards.

Presence sensing

Ensuring a person inside the cell keeps the machine inhibited (horizontal fields, cell scanners) against restart-behind-the-curtain accidents.

Frequently asked questions: IEC 62046

What makes a muting design acceptable?

Muting only during the valid material transit, initiated by a plausible sensor sequence unattainable by a walking person, time-limited, indicated, and returning to full protection immediately after transit — with the whole arrangement validated.

How is restart-behind-the-field prevented?

By covering the interior with presence detection (horizontal scanner fields, mats) or enforcing visibility-based manual reset stations positioned so the whole hazard zone is observed before restart.