Yes, provided they utilize power-and-force limiting sensors and the application is risk-assessed. While the robot itself may be "collaborative," the end-effector (e.g., a sharp gripper or a heated tool) might not be. We evaluate the entire application to decide if barriers are required.
Protocol 15066 // Compliance
Safety Is
Safety Is
Non-Negotiable.
At Ethicway Automation, we remove the friction of robotic integration by ensuring every collaborative deployment strictly adheres to Canadian CSA and international ISO safety regulations.
The Rules of
Coexistence
Collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to work alongside humans without physical guarding, but this only applies when strict power and force limiting parameters are met. Our consulting process is rooted in verifiable technical proof.
Calibration Verified 2026
-
ISO 10218-1/2
The foundational international standards for industrial robot safety. Part 1 covers the robot manufacturer requirements, while Part 2 details the safety of the entire robotic system and integration.
-
ISO/TS 15066
The definitive technical specification for collaborative robotics. It defines the specific force and pressure limits allowed for human contact, which Ethicway uses to calibrate every cell we design.
-
RIA TR R15.606
A technical report that explains how to apply the requirements of ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 specifically to collaborative applications within North American facilities.
-
CSA Z434 (Canada)
The Canadian standard for industrial robots and robot systems. We ensure all recommendations comply with provincial health and safety boards across Canada, including WorkSafeBC and Ontario’s Ministry of Labour.
Site Infrastructure
0% Compromise. 100% Verified.
Every cobot we recommend undergoes a rigorous "Payload Protocol" to ensure that end-of-arm tooling weight never exceeds the safety-rated monitored limits of the motor drives.
Explore SolutionsSafety Compliance Audit
Existing lines needing to be upgraded to ISO/TS 15066 standards. We conduct on-site force testing and risk assessments to validate your current human-robot interactions.
- Force-Speed Validation
- Sensor Redundancy Check
- Risk Mitigation Map
Kinematic Precision
All safety recommendations are vetted for technical accuracy in cobot kinematics and motor longevity.
Our Validation
Logic
Phase: Assessment
We analyze manual tasks to identify high-value cobot insertion points. This includes recording current production cycle times and footprint dimensions to ensure the cobot actually improves throughput without compromising safe egress paths for workers.
Requirement: Production cycle benchmarks + facility floor plan.
Compliance Inquiries
They are intrinsically linked. A cobot that runs too slow to meet safety limits might have poor ROI. Our expertise lies in finding the "Safety-Speed Equilibrium"—optimizing cycle times while remaining strictly within the ISO/TS 15066 force limits.
Ethicway provides technical guidance and verification testing. However, the specific liability and the final onsite safety signing role rest with the client’s designated safety officer or a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng) as per local Canadian provincial regulations.
Ready for a Technical Safety Audit?
Ensure your automation line meets the 2026 revisions of ISO standards.