Safety and resilience strategies for AMR use

The era of industrial automation has reached a new level: autonomous mobile robots (AMR) are increasingly being used in production halls and logistics centers worldwide. This technology gives companies the opportunity to automate a wide range of tasks and processes, resulting in a significant increase in productivity and resilience. However, the integration of these systems is also accompanied by the need to overcome new security challenges. In this context, the key question is how AMR can help to raise physical security standards in industry and at the same time improve resistance to cyber attacks.

The implementation of AMR in industrial environments marks a significant transformation of work processes, which also brings with it new safety requirements. A key aspect of this is the prevention of accidents that could arise from the interaction between people and machines. To this end, AMRs have been equipped with advanced solutions to meet increasing safety requirements.

Cyber resilience on all sides

The security of AMR is not limited to their physical presence alone. Their integration into the IT infrastructure requires additional protective measures, as their networking makes them potential targets for cybercriminals. A loss of control over these robots can not only lead to the loss of the devices themselves, but also poses physical risks to employees and the company's assets. It is the joint responsibility of manufacturers, integrators and end users to minimize the risk of cyberattacks.

Manufacturers of AMRs must prioritize the security of their products as early as the development phase. The importance of regular software updates to provide protection against newly discovered security vulnerabilities cannot be overestimated.

Producers should be able to provide updates efficiently and perform controlled resets when required. Integrators play a key role in the introduction of AMR systems into the wider Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) network. They are responsible for securely integrating these systems into existing security architectures, ensuring both physical protection and software updates. This includes implementing security measures such as firewalls, encryption and securing databases and network communications.

End users, especially the IT management of companies that use AMRs, are required to follow best practices in the area of cyber security. This includes ensuring application security through measures such as role-based access controls and defined time limits based on user inactivity. Strong password policies and a clear separation of responsibilities for password resets or account unlocks are also essential. The challenge in implementing these security strategies is to find an appropriate balance between accessibility and security.

Safety assurance at industrial level

The international standard ISO 13849-1, entitled "Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 1: General principles for design", is a fundamental pillar for ensuring AMR in an industrial context. This standard defines essential concepts and principles for the development and design of safety-critical components in control systems. It serves as a guideline for manufacturers and developers of AMR for the implementation of central safety aspects:

- Risk assessment: ISO 13849-1 facilitates the identification of potential hazards that could emanate from AMR and supports risk assessment. Adequate safety measures can be defined based on this assessment.

• Performance level: Various performance levels (PL) are defined by the standard to determine the required safety level for control systems in AMRs. These levels take into account the severity of potential injuries and the likelihood of hazards occurring.
• Design principles: Specific design principles for safety-critical control elements are prescribed by ISO 13849-1. These principles are aimed at preventing control failures and limiting their consequences. ISO 13849-1 is crucial for the safe development and use of AMR. Compliance with this standard ensures that AMR systems meet required safety standards to protect people and machinery in industrial environments.