Collaborative Robot Force And Pressure Testing
When a collaborative robot is using the power and force limiting function (PFL) as a risk reduction method, force and pressure testing is required to validate the contact scenarios.
The amount of force and pressure that can be exerted in a collision could result in injury. Different parts of the body can receive different forces and pressures, as detailed in ISO TS 15066.
Force and Pressure Testing for Collaborative Applications
When humans and robots share the same workspace, safety depends on one critical factor — ensuring that any contact between the two stays within safe, acceptable limits. That’s where force and pressure testing comes in.
Force and pressure testing is an essential part of validating collaborative robot (cobot) safety, confirming that contact forces, speeds, and impact pressures remain below the thresholds set by ISO/TS 15066 and EN ISO 10218-2
Our force and pressure testing for collaborative applications provides accurate, verifiable data that proves your robot system is both safe for human interaction and fully compliant with international standards.
What is Force and Pressure Testing?
Force and pressure testing measures the impact and contact forces that occur when a collaborative robot interacts with a person — intentionally (during hand-guiding) or unintentionally (through accidental contact).
Using calibrated testing equipment, our engineers measure:
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Transient and quasi-static contact forces between the robot and operator
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Surface pressure distribution during impact
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Stopping distances and speeds of robotic motion
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Compliance with ISO/TS 15066 Annex A safety limits for different body regions
These tests verify that your robot’s safety functions, control systems, and motion parameters keep all contact forces within international safety limits.
Why Force and Pressure Testing Matters
Even if a robot is designed for collaborative use, it’s not automatically safe. Real-world factors — such as tool shape, end effector mass, or control response times — can significantly affect impact force.
Force and pressure testing ensures:
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Compliance with EN ISO 10218-2 and ISO/TS 15066
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Validation of Power and Force Limiting (PFL) safety functions
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Safe configuration of speed and separation monitoring zones
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Reduced risk of injury during collaborative operation
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Objective evidence of safety validation and conformity for CE/UKCA marking
By testing and verifying actual performance, you can demonstrate that your system meets both design intent and regulatory requirements
When Should Force and Pressure Testing Be Conducted?
Force and pressure testing should be carried out:
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During system commissioning of any new collaborative robot application
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After programming or tool changes that affect motion or payload
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Following safety system modifications (e.g. sensor or control updates)
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As part of periodic safety validation or re-certification under PUWER and ISO standards
Routine verification ensures your collaborative robot continues to perform safely over time, even as usage patterns or configurations evolve.
Independent Verification for Peace of Mind
At Cobots and Machinery Safety, our engineers use certified force and pressure measurement devices and follow ISO/TS 15066-compliant methods to deliver clear, data-driven validation of your robot’s safety performance.
You’ll receive a detailed test report confirming compliance, identifying any exceedances, and recommending corrective actions where needed — giving you full confidence in the safety of your collaborative setup.
Book your Force and Pressure Testing today to validate your cobot’s safety and compliance with ISO 10218-2, ISO/TS 15066, and HSE expectations.
Ensuring Safety Through Force and Pressure Verification
Collaborative robots use power and force-limiting functions to reduce the risk of injury during interaction. However, factors such as tool design, payload, speed, and programming can affect the forces applied during contact. Regular testing is critical to:
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Confirm compliance with EN ISO 10218-2 (including ISO/TS 15066 limits)
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Verify that contact forces and pressures stay within safe thresholds
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Identify potential risks before accidents occur
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Provide documented evidence for CE or UKCA conformity
Our testing ensures that your collaborative applications remain safe for operators and legally compliant throughout their lifecycle.
Advanced Force & Pressure Testing Process
Following testing, you receive a comprehensive compliance report that includes:
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Force and pressure measurement results for each contact scenario
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Comparison to the safe limits defined in EN ISO 10218-2
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Recommendations for risk reduction (e.g., speed adjustments, end-effector redesign)
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Documentation to support CE/UKCA marking and regulatory inspections
Our reports are clear, practical, and designed to support both engineering teams and regulatory requirements.
Ongoing Support & Compliance Management
Collaborative applications often evolve with production needs. We offer ongoing testing and re-validation services to ensure that any programming changes, payload adjustments, or hardware modifications do not compromise safety.
Why Choose Cobots and Machinery Safety?
Specialist
Expertise
Extensive experience in collaborative robot safety testing and compliance
Cutting-Edge Equipment
Calibrated force / pressure measurement tools for accurate, repeatable results.
Standards
Focused
Testing to EN ISO 10218-2 (including ISO/TS 15066 limits), CE, UKCA, and PUWER requirements.
Ensure your collaborative applications are safe, compliant, and ready for operation
Book your force and pressure test today!
UKCA Marking Of A Collaborative Application
A collaborative robot (cobot) is supplied by the manufacturer with a Declaration of Incorporation (DOI), as it is classified as a partly completed machine. This means that the system integrator or end user holds the legal responsibility for completing the UKCA/CE marking process, including the preparation of the technical file and the issuance of a Declaration of Conformity (DOC) for the final collaborative application.
If you require professional support with this process, please contact us for expert assistance.
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