Functional Safety Certification for Collaborative Robots (Cobots): ISO 14119 Explained

Date: 2027-06-14
Location: Online
Host: Zach L

About this event

An Executive Briefing for Automation Engineers pursuing functional safety certification. A live 30-minute executive briefing on ISO 14119 (Interlocking Devices) for collaborative robots (cobots), built for automation engineers pursuing functional safety certification. What We'll Cover: What ISO 14119 (Interlocking Devices) requires and how its scope applies to collaborative robots (cobots) Mapping ISO 14119 clauses to the certification evidence assessors expect System-specific hazards and safety functions typical of collaborative robots (cobots) Common findings that delay certification, and how to avoid them A practical readiness roadmap for automation engineers preparing for assessment Related topics: ISO 14119 · Collaborative Robots (Cobots) · functional safety certification · functional

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About ISO 14119 (Interlocking Devices)

This event covers the compliance, engineering, and verification requirements defined by ISO 14119.

EN ISO 14119 covers interlocking devices associated with guards: selection and installation of position switches, coded magnetic/RFID switches, and guard locking, including measures against defeat by reasonably foreseeable means.

What it regulates

Interlock device types (Type 1-4 by actuation principle and coding), guard-locking requirements and release rules, defeat-resistance assessment and required countermeasures, and fault exclusions for locking elements.

Who must comply

Every machine builder using movable guards; component suppliers of interlocks and locking devices.

Key requirements of ISO 14119

Type classification and coding levels (low/high) for actuators

Anti-defeat requirements: mounting out of reach, coded actuators, dedicated fasteners

Guard locking: spring-applied vs power-applied, escape release, emergency release rules

Selection matrix considering stopping time vs access time (with 13855)

Key concepts: ISO 14119

Defeat by foreseeable means

The realistic operator workaround (spare actuator, tape, magnet) that design must render unattractive and difficult.

Escape release

Mandatory inside release where a person could be enclosed behind a locked guard.

Guard locking

Holding the guard closed until hazards cease (run-down), engineered so power loss fails to a safe state per application.

Type 4 high-coded

RFID-style uniquely coded interlocks with the strongest defeat resistance, now standard for accessible guards.

Frequently asked questions: ISO 14119

When is guard locking mandatory?

When the machine's stopping time exceeds the access time (per 13855 calculations) — otherwise a person could reach the hazard while it still runs; locking holds access until safe standstill, verified by monitored release conditions.

How is 'motivation to defeat' handled?

The standard requires assessing why operators would bypass (speed, ergonomics), reducing that motivation by design (usable modes, visibility), and applying escalating technical anti-defeat measures — coded actuators, concealed mounting, tamper-proof fixing.