Are suppliers ready for new robot safety standards?

New safety standards for industrial robots are being introduced globally, with a mandatory European version expected to take effect around 2027 and a voluntary U.S. version already released. Large established robot manufacturers are generally prepared for these standards, but mid-sized and emerging suppliers, particularly those from Asia, show significant awareness gaps and may struggle with compliance costs. The stricter requirements are expected to strengthen the competitive position of well-prepared vendors while creating market access challenges for less-prepared companies, particularly in Europe where demand is currently weak and many small manufacturers face cost pressures.