In context
In August 2023, the robotics industry was navigating a shifting regulatory landscape, particularly in Europe, where new machinery and AI legislation were set to impose stricter safety and cybersecurity requirements. This made international collaboration essential for robotics manufacturers aiming to access global markets.
What was reported
DNV, an independent assurance and risk management provider, and the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA), a South Korean government institution, signed an extension to their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in robotics. The agreement aims to support the international growth of Korea's robotics industry, with a focus on entering the EU market through reciprocal arrangements.
The extended MoU facilitates sharing of technical and regulatory information on robots and components, cooperation on safety standards through technical exchange visits, joint participation in government projects, and development of advisory services such as public seminars on safety standards. Both parties will also engage in the standardization process for robots.
This collaboration responds to recent European regulations, including the Machinery Regulation and the Artificial Intelligence Act, which require manufacturers to meet more stringent product safety and sustainability requirements, and address emerging risks in cybersecurity, human-machinery interaction, and AI/ML capabilities.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for DNV and KIRIA to further combine our expertise to drive the maturity and global growth of the Korean robotics industry.”
Why it mattered
This partnership underscored the growing importance of regulatory alignment and safety standards in enabling robotics manufacturers to access international markets. By combining DNV's expertise in standards and certification with KIRIA's industry knowledge, the collaboration aimed to help Korean robotics firms meet evolving EU requirements, potentially setting a precedent for similar cross-border initiatives in the automation sector.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-08-06 · “DNV and KIRIA join forces to develop the Korean robotics industry”