Updated standard for AGVs, AGVs and AMRs (DIN EN ISO 3691-4)

The safety requirements for driverless or autonomous vehicles in the industrial sector are described in DIN EN ISO 3691-4. This has now been published in the updated version as of 2023-12 (see https://www.beuth.de /de/norm/din-en-iso-3691-4/359209225). In addition to many editorial changes, there are, in my view, the following significant innovations:

• In my opinion, the biggest change is that the maximum distance between the emergency stop buttons on the vehicle has now been specified. This is likely to result in design changes for many larger AGVs and AMRs.
• The permissible stop categories for the emergency stop devices have also been defined.
• For vehicles >25kg, precautions must now be taken for the transportation of defective vehicles, for example.
• The vehicles must now be equipped with a key switch, for example, which prevents further movements (i.e. a kind of OFF switch).
• In addition, the requirements for an “operational stop” were defined.
• The inspection of several identical vehicles has been simplified.
• Requirements for testing pressure-sensitive protective devices have also been included.
• The electrical requirements were specified in more detail.
• The requirements for vehicle access to/from restricted and closed areas have been specified.
• Several new requirements have been added to protect passengers.
• Requirements for high temperatures, exhaust emissions, electrostatic charging and the prevention of assembly errors have been added.
• Reference is now also made to IEC62046 when muting personal detection devices.
• In maintenance mode, the maximum permissible speeds are now set for certain situations.
• The requirements for the operating instructions have been extended.