Safety as a Competitive Advantage in Robotics | Ryan Vann (Cooley)

In this talk

1. 1:27

   Safety can build a lasting brand

   Vann compares de Havilland and Boeing: de Havilland was seen as a leading aircraft, but three of its seven launched planes suffered major fuselage failures and crashed. He says Boeing took a slower, safety-focused approach, and argues that people will need to trust robots before they accept them in factories or homes.

2. 4:01

   Robots are moving toward large-scale deployment

   Vann points to automotive factories as a leading deployment area and cites Toyota's announced plan to roll out 400,000 robots annually across 60 facilities. He also mentions Digit's human detection and motion controls, Boston Dynamics' planned Georgia facility, and Walden's $300 million raise and $1.1 billion valuation. As robots gain dexterity and battery capacity, he expects the market to grow quickly, while warning that safety can become an afterthought.

3. 7:05

   Employers must assess hazards and controls

   Vann says U.S. liability after a serious robot-related accident can extend beyond the employer to manufacturers and component makers. He describes OSHA's General Duty Clause as requiring employers to address recognized workplace hazards, and outlines a preferred control order: eliminate the hazard, substitute safer equipment, use engineering controls, then administrative controls and personal protective equipment.

4. 12:21

   Standards and safety plans should evolve with the robot

   Vann points to ISO and ANSI guidance for industrial mobile and autonomous mobile robots, and says humanoid-related standards are under committee review. He recommends a hazard and risk assessment for each environment as a robot moves from lab development to deployment. Safety measures can progress from physical separation to barriers or sensors, then to mobility with a kill switch or teleoperator override.

5. 17:34

   Certification and diligence can reduce customer risk

   Vann says companies face a balance between reaching the market and avoiding a failure that damages their brand. He recommends safety protocols developed with customers, relevant standards, and certification from UL or another recognized testing lab; he cites UL Standard 3300 for certain mobile robots. He also urges investors to include safety personnel and processes in company diligence.