Whether your facility has where pedestrians and automated vehicles work closely together?
Industrial automation relies heavily on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). As these driverless trucks integrate into shared human workspaces, safety becomes a primary concern. The definitive international standard governing these machines is ("Industrial trucks — Safety requirements and verification — Part 4: Driverless industrial trucks and their systems").
Compliance ensures that industrial robots, such as TÜV Rheinland-certified AGVs , meet the necessary safety standards.
If you are currently in the or updating an existing layout ?
Personnel are strictly prohibited. Personnel detection sensors must trigger an emergency stop. The "Escape Route" Principle
Tip: Ensure you are purchasing the latest edition, as standards are periodically updated to keep pace with rapid technological advancements in AMR navigation. Steps for Implementing ISO 3691-4 in Your Facility
Because ISO standards are protected by copyright, official PDFs are not available for free public download. To obtain a legitimate, up-to-date copy, you can purchase it through authorized channels:
: It guides manufacturers and end-users through identifying hazards to prevent workplace injuries.
: Areas where clearance is less than 0.5 meters. In these zones, robots must slow down, trigger audible/visual warnings, or switch to restricted operating modes. 2. Validation of Braking and Sensing Systems
In the past, a human operator was the "safety valve"—they could stop a forklift if they saw a pedestrian. In an automated environment, the truck is the safety valve.
Investing $150–$300 in the correct standard is trivial compared to the cost of a safety violation, an accident investigation, or a failed compliance audit.
: Trucks must detect people in their travel path across the full width of the truck and its load. Braking & Speed
When reviewing an ISO 3691-4 document, remember that hardware certifications from a vendor are only half the battle; the final layout, zoning, and site validation dictate true compliance.
: Robots using LiDAR and SLAM technology to navigate dynamically around obstacles.
ISO 3691-4 outlines numerous safety requirements to reduce risks of collision, crushing, and unintended movement, thereby enhancing personnel safety and production stability.
ISO 3691 is a multi-part standard covering various types of industrial trucks. Part 4 specifically addresses vehicles that operate without an onboard driver. This includes:
If you are a manufacturer, system integrator, or end user seeking to comply with ISO 3691‑4, consider the following high‑level roadmap:
While the full 74‑page (or 90‑page, depending on the edition) standard contains dozens of detailed clauses, its essential safety requirements can be grouped into several major categories.
Navigating ISO 3691-4: The Gold Standard for Automated Guided Vehicle Safety